9-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a surprising turn of events, veteran swimmer Quah Ting Wen has been left out of Singapore’s swimming contingent for the upcoming Paris Olympics, sparking controversy and disappointment within the sporting community. The decision, confirmed by Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) on Monday, has raised questions about the selection process and communication between the governing body and its athletes.
Quah, who had been part of the women’s 4x100m medley relay team that met Olympic qualifying criteria in February, was notably absent from the 22-athlete list presented at the Team Singapore flag presentation ceremony on Saturday. This omission came as a shock to many, including Quah herself, who had signed documents last Thursday indicating SAQ’s invitation for her to represent Singapore at the Paris Games.
The 31-year-old swimmer, who would have been competing in her fourth Olympics, expressed her confusion and frustration at the sudden change. “After signing everything on Thursday, I took out my luggage and I was like, let’s get going (to Paris),” Quah told local media, highlighting the abruptness of the decision.
SAQ explained that the decision to exclude Quah came after considering various permutations stemming from Olympic qualification rules. The governing body opted to send Gan Ching Hwee instead, who will participate in the 4x100m medley relay as well as individual 800m and 1,500m freestyle events. This decision was made despite an appeal by SAQ to World Aquatics for Quah’s inclusion, which was ultimately rejected.
The controversy stems from the complex Olympic qualification process. While Quah was part of the relay team that met qualifying criteria, only one member of that team, Letitia Sim, had achieved the Olympic “A” cut time in an individual event. World Aquatics granted Singapore an exemption to allow three relay-only swimmers, but later offered Gan an invitation based on her Olympic “B” cut time in the 1,500m freestyle.
Faced with the choice between sending Gan or three relay-only swimmers, SAQ chose Gan, adhering to their selection criteria. This decision led to Quah’s unsuccessful appeal.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Quah revealed that a similar controversy occurred in 2021 during the selection process for the Tokyo Olympics. At that time, a dispute over whether to send Quah or Gan was resolved in Quah’s favour after an appeal.
“It is how this is not the first time this is happening that is the most frustrating part,” Quah stated, emphasising her concern over the recurring nature of such selection issues. She clarified that her grievance was not about who participates in the Olympics, but rather the manner in which confirmations were given and then revoked.
SAQ President Mark Chay acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “It would have been ideal if we could have sent six athletes to the Games.” He expressed appreciation for Quah’s dedication and commitment to the Olympic campaign, while also looking forward to her participation in future events, including the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and SEA Games.
