Tan Howe Liang: 7 facts about Singapore’s first Olympic medalist & weightlifting legend
Tan Howe Liang, Singapore’s pioneering Olympic medalist and a celebrated weightlifter, passed away on Tuesday (3 Dec) at the age of 91 after battling pneumonia.
His remarkable achievements and contributions to Singapore’s sporting history have left an enduring legacy.
Here are seven facts about the late Singaporean weightlifting legend that you may or may not know.
1. He was S’pore’s only Olympic medalist for nearly half a century
In 1960, Tan Howe Liang made history by winning Singapore’s first-ever Olympic medal.
He secured second place in the lightweight weightlifting category, competing against 33 others at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy.
His silver medal at the Rome Games remains a monumental achievement, cementing his legacy in Singapore sports.
It wasn’t until 2008 that the women’s table tennis team — Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei, and Wang Yuegu — secured Singapore’s next Olympic medal, another silver.
2. He came from humble beginnings
Born in Swatow, China, in 1933, Tan moved to Singapore at four and grew up in Chinatown.
His father died when he was 14 years old and his mother returned to China, leaving him with his granduncle and grandaunt.
Before his father passed away, Tan pledged to become one of the strongest men in the world — a promise likely driven by a deep determination to overcome adversity.
3. He was inspired by strongman competition
At the now-closed Gay World Amusement Park, Tan encountered a strongman competition and was captivated by the extraordinary displays of strength.
In 1952, he started training seriously after joining the Evergreen Weightlifting Party for a monthly fee of 50 cents.
The workout sessions were held in a rundown back alley near Boat Quay and he worked out with a single set of barbells.
To support his training and overseas competitions, Tan worked various jobs, including as a dockworker, store clerk, and electrician.
4. He set a new world record
Tan’s career was filled with groundbreaking achievements. He set a new clean and jerk world record at the 1958 Commonwealth Games and went on to win gold at the 1959 Asian and Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games.
After his 1960 Olympic success, Tan went on to claim gold at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth.
In 1984, he became the first weightlifter to be given the International Weightlifting Federation’s Gold award and earned the International Olympic Committee’s Silver Pin in 1989.
5. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame
Recognised for his extraordinary accomplishments, Tan was inducted into the then Singapore Sports Council (SSC) Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy among Singapore’s greatest athletes.
The Hall of Fame honours the accomplishments and contributions of Singapore’s sports heroes, and it was established in 1985.
Besides Tan, other notable athletes in the Hall of Fame include Fandi Ahmad (football), Joscelin Yeo (swimming) and Yu Mengyu (table tennis).
6. He drove a taxi
Following his achievements, Tan retired after failing to repeat his performance in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
One would have expected Tan to lead a relatively comfortable life after retiring from the sport.
However, it was not the case. In 1977, he opened a restaurant that specialised in Peking cuisine, but the business eventually closed. According to TODAY, the sports veteran faced financial struggles after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Medical bills piled up and he took on various jobs, including taxi driver and gym supervisor, to make ends meet after stepping out of the spotlight.
Following the report, many rallied to support him by raising funds, and he even received a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor.
7. His Olympic medal is on display
The Singapore Sports Museum at Sports Hub currently houses the weightlifter’s iconic silver medal and gives you the chance to see the legendary silver medal up close.
Source: Singapore Sports Hub
Located in Kallang, the museum also features exhibits dedicated to Singapore’s sports legends, offering visitors a closer look at the country’s rich sporting history.
His legacy lives on
Tan was more than an athlete; he embodied determination, humility, and unwavering patriotism.
From training in a humble back alley to achieving Olympic glory, Tan showed that hard work and courage can turn dreams into reality.
His achievements stand as a testament to perseverance, integrity, and the spirit of uplifting others, marking a significant chapter in Singapore’s Olympic journey.
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Featured image adapted from Singapore National Olympic Council
