But jokes aside ... It was such aspiring seniors that movitated me to train hard and set my sights high.
It is a pity that this respected senior, compatible training partner and worthy opponent is currently not playing ... Well, I remain optimistic though ... =)
From the very 1st edition of our Squash newsletter "STRIKE" that was published sometime July/August 1996 ...
Interview with Tan Wah Siew
Tan Wah Siew, an ex-RGS girl (now studying in RJC), proved herself in the recent Milo Nationals by beating National representatives Jasmine Tiw and Caroline Baptista, emerging first runners-up in the U19 Girls' Open Championships. All these successes are result of her hard work for the past 4 years.
Reporter XXX catches up with Tan Wah Siew, the player who "used to be average" and invites her to share her secrets of success ...
XXX: Hi, Wah Siew. How's life?
TWS: (pondering) It's okay.
XXX: (devilish grin) Ready for the interview?
TWS: (with her big eyes staring suspiciously at me) So what are you up to?
XXX: Nothing much. Just a few questions. So what made you join squash when you were Sec 1?
TWS: I decided that entering RGS was going to change the rest of my life. I wanted to play a sport because I did not get the chance to do that in primary school. I guess I chose squash because it was an indoor sport: I could play rain or shine.
XXX: (in a more serious tone) Have you regretted your decision?
TWS: I have definitely not regretted it. Playing squash has made me a more disciplined person and I have learnt that facing up to our fears is the best way to overcome them. I am learning new things every single day. It has been extremely fulfilling and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself for the last 4 years.
XXX: How good were you when you first started?
TWS: Frankly, I was quite terrible. I think I could barely hit the ball when I just started playing. Ball sense and talent were certainly not things you would have connected me with.
XXX: (Could not believe my ears. Who could image this excellent player being lousy?) What drove you to work so hard?
TWS: It was the desire to be an extremely good player. Quite a few of us were training hard in Sec 2 and 3 and so we spurred each other on. I did not know exactly what to do to achieve my goal at first, so I just trained as hard as I could. Right now, with Ansari’s help, training has become more defined.
XXX: What has squash done to you?
TWS: Squash has made me a better person. I have learnt to withstand pain during training and to compete and fight no matter what the odds are. I have also learnt, to a certain extent, to break out of my own limitations and to set myself free so that I can perform.
XXX: (eyes wide open and jaws dropping, bewildered at the profound answer. On regaining my composure) Has training affected your studies?
TWS: Training has not affected my studies. If anything, training has taught me to manage my time better so that I can train, do my work and get enough sleep. This only proves that the Singaporean belief that people who play sports cannot do well on their studies is not true.
XXX: (That is very true. Wah Siew obtained good results for her “O” level examinations last year.) What do you wish to achieve in the coming years?
TWS: (without any hesitation) I want to represent the
XXX: (Getting quite bored with such ‘cheem’ stuff and deciding to ask something more related to myself.) How do you think seniors and juniors should treat each other?
TWS: The seniors should be ever willing to help the juniors while the juniors should respect the seniors. The team should be spirited and both seniors and juniors should spur one another onto greater heights.
XXX: (sigh! Another of those answers. Suddenly something popped into my mind. Feeling quite excited and flashing my ever-so-innocent smile) I was told by ABC that you have never “fallen in love”. How do you manage to keep your mind on squash and refrain from guys for so long?
TWS: I love the sport.
XXX: (disappointed look. I was expecting some kind of interesting answer. Looking at the time, I decided to ask the final question.) What do you have to say to us juniors out there?
TWS: (deep in thought) Move in the direction of your dreams, whatever they may be, for you may meet with unexpected success in the coming hours.
XXX: (wow, totally impressed and inspired. But my hands are now aching due to the vigourous jotting down of the answers.) That is all I have, Wah Siew. Thanks for answering my questions.
TWS: (smilingly) It’s my pleasure.
We shook hands (mine still in pain, of course) and went our separate ways.
Signing off
Reporter XXX
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