Self-conquering and staying authentic to your capabilities is the genuine test, according to TOH WEI SOONG [Athlete Stories].

Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at the age of two, Singaporean para swimmer Toh Wei Soong struggles with a chronic condition that impairs leg movement. Despite the debilitating condition having no known cure, he is no longer confined to a life of immobility typically associated with it.

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2025 September 12 . 2:30 AM

2 min read

Self-conquest and authenticity in abilities: the athlete's struggle, according to TOH WEI SOONG.

Self-conquering and staying authentic to your capabilities is the genuine test, according to TOH WEI SOONG [Athlete Stories].

Singaporean Para-Swimmer Toh Wei Soong Gears Up for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Toh Wei Soong, a 21-year-old Singaporean para-swimmer, is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime as he sets his sights on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Having started competitive swimming at the age of 13, Toh Wei Soong has already made a name for himself in the sport. He has won an impressive tally of medals, including a bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and two golds in the 2018 Asian Para Games.

However, his journey has not been easy. Struggling to balance his swimming and academic commitments, especially at the start of his international competitive career, Toh Wei Soong acknowledges that competition at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be fierce. Yet, he looks forward to it.

Toh Wei Soong's coach, Ang Peng Siong, is his hero and role model. The young athlete finds inspiration in his coach's dedication and passion for the sport.

Toh Wei Soong's ultimate ambition is to win a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. But his goal extends beyond personal achievement. He aims to encourage youths, especially those with disabilities, to pursue their sporting dreams and to be unafraid to challenge the impossible.

In line with this, Toh Wei Soong is partnering with Toyota to champion "Equality of Opportunity". As part of their joint school outreach program, he will be working as a motivational speaker, inspiring students to believe in their potential and to never give up on their dreams.

Toyota selected Toh Wei Soong in 2019 as one of 12 athletes in Asia to champion the "Start Your Impossible" project, symbolizing Toyota's commitment to mobility for all.

Toh Wei Soong remains quietly modest and unassuming, reminding himself why he is here and that there are other things left to do. He thanks his parents for their support, as they have been instrumental in helping him pursue his dreams.

His teammates motivate him to improve and always have his back in "this crazy sport". Toh Wei Soong finds joy in swimming, stating, "I enjoy the freedom I get when I am underwater. Being able to move about without obstacle is why I love swimming."

As Toh Wei Soong prepares for his next challenge, the World Para Swimming Championships in Kuching, Malaysia, in July 2019, we encourage our readers to join in cheering him on as he competes for Singapore at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. In his own words, "If you are willing to beat someone, you must be willing to lose to someone. Only with opponents can you make yourself stronger."