Stephenie Chen advances to semi-finals in Olympic kayak debut for Singapore

Singaporean kayaker Stephenie Chen has made a remarkable entry into the Olympic scene by advancing to the semi-finals in her debut appearance. This milestone not only highlights her personal achievements but also signifies a significant moment for Singapore's kayaking community.

Stephenie Chen, born on December 25, 1991, has been a prominent figure in the canoe sprint and marathon disciplines. Her journey to the Olympics has been a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Chen secured her spot for the Paris Olympics after an intense qualification process that spanned three years. Competing in the Asian canoe sprint Olympic qualifiers in Tokyo, she finished third in the women's K1 500m race with a time of 2 minutes 6.129 seconds, behind China's Zhang Luxi and Uzbekistan's Ekaterina Shubina.

Chen's qualification ended a 12-year absence for Singapore's kayakers at the Olympics, a feat last achieved by Geraldine Lee in the London 2012 Olympics. Chen's journey was not without its challenges; she narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 by fractions of a second on two occasions during the qualifiers in Pattaya.

Performance at the Paris Olympics

In her Olympic debut, Chen showcased her skills and determination by advancing to the semi-finals. Competing in the women's K1 500m event, she demonstrated her prowess and resilience. "It's an incredible feeling to represent Singapore on such a grand stage and to advance to the semi-finals. This is a dream come true," Chen said in an interview.

Training and Preparation

Chen's preparation for the Olympics has been rigorous. She has been training under the guidance of top coaches and has participated in various international competitions to hone her skills. Her dedication to the sport is evident in her consistent performance and her ability to overcome setbacks. "Training for the Olympics has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Every stroke, every race has brought me closer to this moment," Chen shared.

Support System and Motivation

Chen attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, coaches, and the Singapore Canoe Federation. Her sister, Sarah Chen, who is also a kayaker, has been a significant source of motivation and inspiration. "Having my sister by my side has been a tremendous support. We push each other to be better and to achieve our goals," Chen mentioned.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Chen aims to continue her journey in the sport and inspire the next generation of kayakers in Singapore. "This is just the beginning. I hope to achieve more and to see more Singaporeans take up kayaking and excel in it," she said.