Yip Pin Xiu places 2nd in women’s 100m backstroke S2 at World Para Swimming Championships
Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian Yip Pin Xiu has taken home Singapore’s first medal at the 2025 Toyota World Para Swimming Championships.
She claimed silver on home soil after finishing second in the women’s 100m backstroke S2 final on Tuesday (23 Sept).
Source: Low Yen Ling on Facebook
Yip clocked a time of 2:23.73
The 32-year-old clocked a time of 2 minutes and 23.73 seconds, according to the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC).
That was enough to finish behind Russian Diana Koltsova — competing as a neutral athlete —Â at 2:19.60.
Behind them was Italy’s Angela Procida, who snagged bronze after coming in at a time of 2:23.32.
Yip had strong support on home ground
Yip received a warm welcome, considering that she was competing on home ground.
A large crowd greeted her at the OCBC Aquatics Centre, according to an Instagram post by Mediacorp.
In fact, Singaporeans — proudly dressed in red and waving our national flag — gave her a standing ovation as she entered the arena.
Source: MCCY & SNPC via David Neo on Facebook
In response, Yip smiled and waved to the spectators, repeatedly forming a heart with her arms.
Source: World Para Swimming on Instagram
Speaking to the media in the clip, Yip said that she “loves racing in Singapore” as “the home crowd has always been amazing”.
She also thanked the many people who have helped and supported her along the way.
PM congratulates Yip over Para Championships medal
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was also an admirer, congratulating her in a Facebook post that night.
Noting that Yip had won Singapore’s first medal at this year’s Championships, he told her:
Your determination, drive, and continued excellence inspire us all!
Yip felt ‘disappointment’ after coming in 2nd
Earlier that day, the seven-time Paralympic gold medalist had qualified first overall in the heats after finishing about seven seconds in front of Italy’s Arjola Trimi.
Yip had thus been aiming for gold, since she won the event in the last three World Championships.
After coming in second, she told Channel NewsAsia (CNA) that she felt “a bit of disappointment”, candidly admitting that she knew she could do better.
Source: @paraswimming on Instagram
Nevertheless, she said that she was grateful that everyone had been “so supportive” and “so loving”.
Yip will next compete in the women’s 50m backstroke S2 heats on Friday (26 Sept).
Also read: Yip Pin Xiu clinches gold in 50m backstroke event, completes 3rd Paralympics double
Yip Pin Xiu clinches gold in 50m backstroke event, completes 3rd Paralympics double
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Featured image adapted from Low Yen Ling on Facebook and World Para Swimming on Instagram.
