NYP Lecturer James Wong Wins Gold for Singapore

Source:[The Straits Times] © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Permission required for reproduction

Victory for James! Doing Singapore proud in Laos.

NYP lecturer James Wong has done Singapore proud by winning the gold medal in the men's discus event at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2009, held in Laos from 9-18 December 2009.

He threw a distance of 53.6 metres on his sixth and final throw to clinch the gold medal, which is his 8th gold medal in the SEA Games.

We caught up with James, to find out more about his memorable SEA Games experience.
Read on….

What was the preparation for the SEA Games like? How has NYP supported you?

This SEA Games preparation was one of the hardest in my career. I retired from the sport at the end of 2006. Then in December 2008, I decided to make a comeback and started training for it. I have spoken to Lionel Teo (Manager/NYP’s School of Business Management) about my wish to make a comeback and hoped that NYP can give me its support. I know I needed time to train and I would also be going overseas for the competition. All these needed some coordination and attention. The Sports & Wellness team has been a great help in assisting me in my work or other duties, so I can spend some extra time to prepare for my games.

"Impossible is Nothing" for James!

What was the overall experience of the SEA Games in Laos been like for you? How would you summarise the experience in one word?

It was overwhelming. I have laid off training for so long and my age was a big factor which is not in my favour. I wondered how I can win another gold, while juggling with work, family and sports. In short, there were many things going on in my head but I had to stay focused.

To summarise the experience in one word is not good enough. So I will do it in three: "Impossible Is Nothing."

Were there any stressful/heart-stopping moments for you during the games?

Of course. There were moments which I certainly did not want to be in. But I also accepted the fact that with this commitment, I have many responsibilities and there would be stress that comes along with it. In fact, the full impact of the stress did not strike me until I start preparing my competition gear and began warming up. With each passing minute, my heart pounded harder and harder. Once the competition started, there was no looking back. Minute by minute, everything seemed to be in slow motion. The one-hour competition was the longest hour I have ever experienced! Only with the last throw did I realise that the games were finally over for me.

James Wong in action. The one-hour competition was the longest hour
he experienced.

Every win means a lot to James.

What does winning the gold medal mean to you?

Every win means a lot to me, especially when winning for Singapore means I can let many Singaporeans celebrate this victory together. Winning this gold medal at the age of 40 and having a sports career that stretches from 1985 are just overwhelming. I have no words to describe it now. WOW!

What lessons from this experience would you share with your Diploma in Sport & Wellness Management students when you are back?

What I can share with them are these:

Set your goals
Know what you want
Be focused and keep working on it
Don't give up, believe in yourself and
your ability
Dig deep to find yourself when the chips are down

And finally: do the impossible and make it possible. Enjoy every moment of the journey because you only live once.

Do the impossible and make it possible! James holding his shoes which had '8possible' printed on them, to remind himself that it is possible to
do the impossible.