Wai Mun at the 2013 Asian Cycling Championships

His story

Wai was Singapore's top sculler from 2007 to 2011. He won the only medal for Singapore at the 2008 Asia Cup Rowing Championships, 4 Golds at the 2009 Singapore International Rowing Championships, 2 Golds at the 2010 Asia Cup Rowing Championships and is the Indoor Rowing ergometer 2000m National record holder. When there was a lack of proper support, Wai looked to defy the odds by training entirely on his own and was the only Singaporean rower to qualify for the 2010 Asian Games by coming in 6th at the 2009 Asian Rowing Championships. He wanted to take his rowing a step further. Again he went out on his own, looked abroad for training support and found it in the form of Mercantile Rowing Club in Melbourne, Australia. Wai spent time at Mercs preparing for the 2010 Asian Games, his first major games where he came in 9th in the lightweight single. At the 2011 SEA Games, he had to race both the mens open single and lightweight double where he came in 5th for both.

Unfortunately Wai was never given the opportunity to qualify for London 2012 for Singapore. There were no selections and he was passed off entirely to compete at the 2012 Asian Olympic Qualification regatta.

Wai immediately put his disappointment aside and looked to cycling to settle unfinished business. After promising numbers in the lab along with his drive and perseverance, Wai has managed to gain the support of Singapore Cycling to embark on a track cycling journey. With the help of Track Cycling Western Australia, Wai's first experience on the track his given him a new lease of life.

Your support

Along with his team mate Alan Soh, Wai will be looking to make his mark at the 2013 Asian Cycling Championships, in Delhi in March of 2013, to gain qualification for the 2013 SEA Games and 2014 Asian Games.

In the lead up, Wai will be racing at the Thailand Track Series, in Korat, on 20 - 21 October 2012.

Wai faces a challenge as Singapore does not have a velodrome. Arranging for overseas training stints on a track is vital in his training preparation and that is where Wai hopes to seek your support. All the money raised will be carefully used to support travelling costs and expenses to a 1-week training stint on the velodrome in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by racing in the Track Series in Korat, as well as training and equipment expenses here in Singapore.

Wai will continue to plan for a training camp back with Track Cycling Western Australia to prepare for the 2013 Asian Cycling Championships.

Your contribution will go a long way

Financial support for elite sports in Singapore is funneled to a few high profile sports. Cycling isn't one of them and neither is rowing. Instead of bearing a grudge and giving up on the system, Wai has always preferred to focus on what he can do to achieve his goal. Despite having his dream of becoming Singapore's first ever Olympic rower taken away from him, he picked himself up and continues to fight his way up to slience the critics and fight for what he believes in. Handling a 25+ hour training week along with having to work is tough but Wai will do what he has to do, in order to give himself the best possible chance. He hopes to inspire and encourage the generation of tomorrow to strive for their dreams. More importantly, bring the people together and be a positive influence on society's impression of sport. 

Wai is extremely thankful to his family and close friends for their continued support and have always paid tribute to his coaches, support team and anyone who has helped him along the way. The same heartfelt thanks goes to all your pledges!