Joseph Schooling had, only last month, brought ecstasy to Singapore when he won the gold medal in the Rio Olympics' men's 100m butterfly race.

Hardly has the memory of that fabulous victory faded when yet another monumental feat is achieved - this time by Yip Pin Xiu, who won a gold in the Rio Paralympics in style ("Yip nets Rio gold with a world record"; yesterday).

Despite being afflicted with muscular dystrophy, which progressively weakened her muscles, Yip has demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way. She did not give up, despite having missed out on the podium at the London Paralympics in 2012.

Instead, with sheer grit and determination, she persevered, and has now delivered something special. Such a never-say-die attitude speaks volumes about the para-swimmer and will surely be a compelling factor in motivating other sportsmen and women in Singapore with disabilities to do likewise.

Here's wishing Yip all the best in her next race - the 50m backstroke (S2) on Thursday.

Phillip Tan Fong Lip