30 Jul 2007 12:38:00 pm

LAMENTATIONS of a lack of family and educational support for a sporting career are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The proof: The large parental turnout at the Singapore Sports School's (SSS) open house and at sports meets.

Schools also tailor their teaching to suit student-athletes' schedules. With these developments, what could go wrong?

Everything. Winning or losing may be decided by who wanted the win more. With the rising cost of living, are young athletes hungry enough for sporting success to sacrifice other aspects?

Are they determined too to succeed internationally, or be content with being National Schools' champion? These were questions I asked myself as a young athlete. But at a tender age of 15, how could I make an informed choice by myself?

National sports associations (NSAs) play a big role in answering these questions - a successful effort could bridge the gap between being a national champion and being a world champion. Every young athlete has big dreams, but it can turn to dust if we do not receive adequate mentorship.

Less bureaucracy, less red tape, transparent criteria on athlete selection and a wholesale commitment from all parties to success - that is the winning effort required.


Lee Hui Fang, 21, is a third-year economics student at the London School of Economics and a former sports officer at the Singapore Sports School
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IF she's free, definitely ask her to teach me some economics. Smartie pants. Go England study her company pay. Still got allowance of 500 pounds every mth. RGS/RJC
s high jumper. Literally.