2025 Asean Para Games: Bee sting, bike damage but Singapore’s Sebastian Tan wins gold

SINGAPORE – A series of unfortunate events could not stop para-cyclist Sebastian Tan from clinching Singapore’s first gold medal at the Asean Para Games (APG) in Korat, Thailand on Jan 21.

During a pre-competition training session, the 25-year-old Games debutant was stung by a bee, causing him to collide with another athlete and damaging his bike.

Tan, who finished top in the mixed individual time trial T1-T2, said: “It was a stressful situation, but the team stayed calm, fixed the bike in time and helped us overcome a big challenge together.

“I feel very happy, grateful and honoured. It means a lot to contribute Singapore’s first gold and I’m thankful to everyone who supported us.”

At the Suranaree University of Technology, Tan clocked 31min 40.485sec to take home the gold ahead of Thailand’s Kittiyaporn Namakhan (32:59.954) and Noppakorn Leso (33:31.516).

Coach Eugene Quan said that they faced several challenges en route to the competition, including a trip to the hardware shops to fix Tan’s bike.

He said: “We had to manage equipment upgrades, training venue access and logistical constraints. At the same time, the focus was on increasing training consistency and frequency.

“Overcoming these challenges required patience, planning and strong teamwork from everyone involved.”

Ahead of the Games, Tan, who has dystonia – a movement disorder that results in muscle spasms and abnormal posture – had posted several good results on the road. At the 2023 World Abilitysport Games in Korat, he took bronze in the men’s individual time trial T1-T2 and a silver in the individual road race T1-T2.

Quan said: “Sebastian has improved significantly across many areas. Physically, his pacing, execution and overall fitness have become much more consistent.

“Mentally, he is calmer under pressure and trusts the process more.

“Professionally, his discipline, preparation and daily habits have improved, and that has made a big difference in his performance.

“This gold reflects Sebastian’s commitment to the process and the effort he has put in over time… More importantly, it shows what is possible when an athlete is supported properly and believes in long-term development.”

Team Singapore celebrated a second gold medal on Jan 21, when para-bowler Kelvin Goh, 65, who is Singapore’s oldest athlete at these Games, finished first in the men’s TPB1 singles finals after notching 804 pinfalls at the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl in Bangkok.

Malaysia’s Suhairi Kadir (749) was second and Thailand’s Kietkongtawee Krisada (746) finished third.

Goh, a silver medallist in the TPB2 team event at the 2015 APG, had switched to the TPB1 category after completely losing his sight in 2019.

He said: “The feeling of winning this gold medal is fantastic. Bowling in TPB2 in 2015 winning the silver medal, and now for the first time winning a gold medal at this APG means so much to me as a bowler.

“Having reached today’s milestone, I have seen my bowling skill improve progressively and with the help of the coaches and support from family members, teammates and all supporting organisations, I will continue to do my best.”

In the morning’s swimming finals at the Nakhon Ratchasima Sports Complex, Toh Wei Soong clinched Singapore’s first medal at the Games, with a silver in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 event.

The 27-year-old clocked 5:22.87 behind his friend and rival Ernie Gawilan (5:02.39) of the Philippines, and ahead of Thailand’s Sittichaiphonniti Kaweewat (6:07.92).

Fellow swimmer Danielle Moi also won a silver in the women’s 100m butterfly S14 event.

She touched the wall in 1:14.83, behind Indonesia’s Indriani Syuci (1:11.41) and ahead of Thailand’s Uttisen Luksika (1:15.16).