Paddler expected to deliver her first child by the end of the year
By
Lin Xinyi
Li Jiawei (left) and Li Chao were asked during their wedding banquet in Beijing on Saturday if they were planning to have a baby. He said they would try to have one soon so she could compete in the 2012 Olympics. Unknown to the 600 guests, she was already pregnant. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
SHE is used to delivering medals for Singapore. Now, national paddler Li Jiawei is preparing to deliver her first child by the end of this year.
The world No. 7 expressed delight at being 'about two months' pregnant', when she spoke to The Straits Times in a telephone interview yesterday.
Her pregnancy could not have been better timed.
Earlier this year, the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) and Jiawei agreed that she would wait until after the 2012 Olympics to try for a baby - if she did not have a child by end-2010.
So when Jiawei, 27, learnt about a week ago that she and husband Li Chao, a 36-year-old Chinese businessman, would soon be expecting a little bundle of joy, she was pleasantly surprised.
'This baby is very obedient. He or she is listening to the STTA, and wants me to give birth soon so I can be focused and prepare for the London Games,' she said.
'I feel so lucky and blessed.'
The good news was also warmly welcomed by STTA president Lee Bee Wah.
She said: 'I'm very happy for her. This has come at a perfect time. It allows her more time to recover, and she can make her return earlier.'
Jiawei has yet to don national colours this year and is now expected to miss the rest of the season.
