Monday, August 23, 2004 @4:05 PM
What an emotional letdown. From nowhere, came this ray of hope - only to be cruelly dashed. Of course, no one blames Jiawei. She started crying the moment she stepped out of the playing arena at the Galatsi Olympic Hall yesterday and continued walking towards the changing room eveh when the media zoomed in on her. But she turned back, trying to smile behind that little white towel with which she had wiped away nervous perpiration from her palms and brow.
All watched her play at home. It was so heart-breaking to see her lose where Singapore could actually achieve her second medal from Olympics after 44 years since Tan Howe Liang's weightlifting silver from Rome. Jiawei lost because she could not let go of the disappointing results from the previous match. Undoubtly, the pressure on her to perform is so intense. My elder sis actually felt that and was determined not to watch her final go at a medal yesterday, for fear of bursting into tears when her hard work did not pay off. My younger sis and I did and unfortunately, we left the couch with a heavy heart.
Saw the teary-eyed Jiawei on the front page of The Straits Times and Asia? I did, during recess today and my heart went all out to her. Well, to tell the truth, I almost broke down too. A drop of tear was in risk of tumbling out of my eye. I held it back and for that, my confidence in Jiawei's performance in the next Bejing Olympic doubled. I shall save that drop of tear for her victory in Beijing, four years hence. I will be 19 then. Wuhan said that she will be watching it live in Beijing and promised to bring my prayers and hopes there to cheer Jiawei and Susilo on.
Yes, sports isn't just medals. It's doing our best, trying again, overcoming setbacks and depending on each other, being part of Team Singapore. Jiawei fulfilled all of the above criteria and for that, she deserves our praise and cheers. She brought hope for Singapore, and often, it is that ray of hope that keeps us going. Susilo, please take really good care of Jiawei! She really needs you at this point of time.
Go for it, Singapore! Singapore's second Olympic medal may not have been won in Athens, but it's on its way, soon. Jiawei will knock all her noisy opponents out with her comeback and shut them up. Jiawei, jiayou! We're behind you all the way!
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Go read about PM Lee's National Day Rally in the Straits Times today. There are wonderful things to be hopeful about. For example, the five-day week, SAP scholarship and less work load for students. Of course, not forgetting the part about the making of babies! His speech was really interesting and had a lot of humourous elements within. There will be repeated telecast, so if you happen to miss it, go catch it another day! =)
Anyway, during Chemistry Practical today, Peng Bo almost set the entire laboratry on fire. Know what he did? He poured the organic solvent into the sink before setting in on fire with 3 matchsticks! It was quite a big one, considering that we had never encounter such SHOCKING act of mischief before. He will pay for that. [hee... I am glad that my ears are quiet today, away from the clattering, high-pitched voice! I feel happier now! =)]
Humph. I guess today's Chemistry common test brought everybody's spirit down. It's just so depressing. What the... can't we just have Mrs Goh back?!