'This is the best present for what was a good 2007.' GAO NING

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Neither paddler Gao Ning nor swimmer Tao Li had any ambitions of donning the Republic's colours in international competitions, let alone winning medals at top meets.

But a successful 2007 that ended with the China-born pair each returning with three gold medals from December's South-east Asia Games has earned them Singapore's top sporting accolades.

It is the perfect boost as the pair make their final preparations for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Gao and Li were named the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively by an 11-member selection panel yesterday.

The panel was chaired by Singapore National Olympic Council president and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Gao, who arrived in 2004 and became a Singapore citizen two years later, is the first male paddler to win the award.

'This is the best present for what was a good 2007. It will spur me to work harder and give a good showing in the upcoming Olympics,' said the world No 11.

The 25-year-old is in Changchun with the other national paddlers for the China Open, which started yesterday.

Among his highlights last year - being named one of the most improved players by the International Table Tennis Federation Pro Tour and winning the SEA Games singles title.

Until last month, he was ranked world No 9, which was the highest achieved by a Singaporean male paddler.

As for Tao Li, this is the second straight year she has been crowned the Sportswoman of the Year.

Her seventh placing in the 50 metres butterfly at the World Championships in March last year propelled her into the ranks of swimming's elite.

The 17-year-old became the first Singapore woman to reach a final at the event.

Said Tao Li, who arrived here seven years ago and received Singapore citizenship in 2005: 'Winning the award for the second straight year serves as a constant encouragement for me to achieve greater things.'

Apart from Gao Ning's win, there was more joy for the paddlers.

The women's team, second only to China and fancied to end Singapore's 48-year medal drought at the upcoming Olympics, were named Team of the Year (events).

The team comprise Li Jiawei, Wang Yuegu, Sun Beibei, Tan Paey Fern and Yu Mengyu.

Football was the other big winner, with national coach Raddy Avramovic named Coach of the Year and the Lions earning the Team of the Year (team sports) tag.

Under Avramovic, Singapore football enjoyed a bumper year.

The Lions moved into the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time and retained the Asean Football Championship.

In addition, the Under-23 side returned from the SEA Games with a bronze, Singapore's first football medal since 1999.

The Coach of the Year category had stirred up the most lively debate among selectors, revealed SNOC secretary-general Chris Chan.

It was the only one where no consensus could be reached, and the winner - Avramovic and table tennis coach Liu Guodong were the popular picks - had to be determined by a vote.

Avramovic said: 'This is a nice surprise, I didn't even know I had been nominated.

'I want to thank the players, the coaching staff and the fans. Without them, I don't think this would be possible.'

Heading the list of Junior winners are Sportsboy of the Year Jonathan Koh (shooting) and Sportsgirl of the Year Jazreel Tan (bowling).

All winners will receive their awards at a gala ceremony on June 24.

Gao and Tao Li will each pocket $10,000, while Avramovic will get $6,000.

The men's football and women's table tennis teams will receive $10,000 each.

limze@sph.com.sg