An inspiration for generations: Singapore’s first Olympic medallist Tan Howe Liang dies

SINGAPORE – A generous father figure who went the extra mile – that is how former weightlifter Ang Hwee remembers his coach Tan Howe Liang, Singapore’s first Olympic medallist, who died of pneumonia on Dec 3. He was 91.

When Ang started training for his first weightlifting competition at the ClubFitt gym in Kallang in 2001, funding was hard to come by.

But Tan, who had

won a historic silver medal

in the lightweight division at the 1960 Rome Olympics, would hand over the entire $500 monthly allowance he received as a weightlifting coach to his protege Ang for food and attire.

That unselfish act and dedication shown by Tan left an indelible mark on Ang throughout his sporting career and working life.

“In 2006, I won the silver medal at Thailand’s King Cup and was awarded a small sum of money which I offered to him, and I remembered he was very touched,” said Ang, 44, who last competed in 2007 and is now a financial services director with insurer AIA.

“I will never be able to repay his kindness, it was just a nice gesture. I now have a successful career because of all the lessons he taught me.”

Ang’s tribute was among many that poured in for Tan, who is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam wrote on Facebook: “You can’t help feeling emotional thinking about Tan Howe Liang, who achieved so much with so little... How he won a silver medal at the Rome Olympics despite injury. It was one for the ages, as they say. Howe Liang remains one of our most inspiring Singaporean stories.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Tan’s historic silver medal left an indelible mark in Singapore’s sporting history. “He showed us what was possible with his grit, resilience and indomitable fighting spirit. His remarkable legacy will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration for Singapore.”

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong hailed the impact Tan had on Singapore’s sporting scene. In a post on social media, he wrote: “Tan’s contributions went far beyond his hefty medal wins... His accomplishments placed Singapore on the global sporting map, showing that even a small nation could dream big, and with the muscle to show for it...

“Tan Howe Liang’s story is a testament to resilience, courage and the power of dreams, leaving a legacy that will forever inspire Singaporeans.”

Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president Grace Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, said in a social media post: “Howe Liang’s achievement has inspired many generations of Singaporeans. Athletes of his generation had much lesser, but they accepted what they had and trained hard.  

“His achievement in Rome goes to show what one can achieve, if one simply devotes himself to it. He also exemplifies the value of a true Olympian athlete through his humility and kindness.”

The third of seven children, Tan was born in the southern Chinese city of Swatow in 1933. His family moved to Singapore when he was four and settled in the cramped quarters of Chinatown.

He picked up weightlifting after seeing a strongman competition at the now-defunct Gay World Amusement Park and began training seriously in 1952 after joining the Evergreen Weightlifting Party for 50 cents a month.

So dedicated was Tan to his weightlifting that the lack of financial support did not stop him in his sporting pursuits. To fund his training and overseas competitions, he took on a variety of jobs ranging from dockworker and store clerk to electrician.

He was crowned national champion within a year, the start of what would be an illustrious career for him. At the 1958 Commonwealth Games, he set the world record in the clean-and-jerk. Two months prior, he had claimed gold at the Asian Games, and he did so again at the South-east Asian Peninsular Games a year later. 

Then came his Olympic success in the halls of the Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome. After a disappointing outing at the 1956 Melbourne Games where he finished ninth, Tan was determined to finish on the podium.

This time he did. An hour and a half before the final lift at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, he felt an incredible pain in his legs and was advised by doctors to withdraw from the competition in order to seek treatment.

But the 27-year-old refused, and went on to lift 155kg in the clean-and-jerk. Having lifted a total of 380kg, Tan clinched a silver – Singapore’s first Olympic medal.

Tan, who competed at three Olympics, claimed his second Commonwealth Games gold at the 1962 edition, before he retired five years later.

He went on to guide several future champions, among them Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Teo Yong Joo and Chua Koon Siong. 

Since Tan’s Olympic feat in 1960, the Republic’s athletes have gone on to win a gold and a silver, as well as three bronzes at the quadrennial event. Maximilian Maeder, 18, was the latest,

claiming the bronze in men’s kitefoiling at the Paris Olympics in August.

Singapore’s sole Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling, who clinched the 100m butterfly title at the 2016 Rio Games, said Tan “will always be remembered”.

“He’s a trailblazer who put our country on the world map and he has been an inspiration to me.”

In a Facebook post, SNOC vice-president Mark Chay, a former national swimmer, recalled his early encounters with Tan as a young student when he went for his physiotherapy sessions at the old Sports Council Sports Medicine Centre. Tan always exuded humility in their brief interactions.

It was in 2001 that they had their first proper conversation, when Tan congratulated Chay on being named Sportsboy of the Year. As they spoke, Tan offered the swimmer some words of advice that have stuck with him: to remain humble and continue training hard.

Chay said: “His passing marks the loss of an extraordinary individual whose achievements and character have left an indelible mark on Singapore’s sporting history... What struck me most about Mr Tan was his steadfast dedication. He wasn’t the most outwardly cheerful person, but his passion for and commitment to his craft shone through every word and action. He carried the weight of a nation’s hope – literally and figuratively – and inspired generations of athletes who came after him.”