Sad Sad Day

It was with much much sadness when I read that the Cambodian authorities had confirmed the death of 5 young members of the national dragonboat team. The squad was competing at an international race on Tonle Sap, Cambodia.

The details of what happened remains sketchy, what we know is that the entire team was thrown into water when their dragonboat capsized. They were not wearing PFDs, as it was not a requirement on some international dragonboat races. The reported currents might have played a part, or fatigue...

It takes much training, sacrifice of time for social, and family committments to do well as a dragonboater. These 5 have probably gave their all to be part of the up-and-coming national squad. Their passions are extraordinary.

I don't know any of them personally. What I can hear is the 'chomp' chomp' chomp' of the paddles, at the start of the race. What I can see is the rotation of the torso and punching hand, as we hardened for the middle stretch. And what I can sense is a swirl of passion as we dig our toes in for the final burst.

These are 5 paddlers...you know the type you do push-ups together, help each other on the pull-up bar, get punished together, vomit together, share a cap of water together, compare bum scraps, laugh together... You know?

Chee Wei Cheng, 20

Jeremy Goh Tze Xiong, 24

Stephen Loh Soon Ann, 31

Poh Boon San, 27

Reuben Kee En Rui, 23

See you on the water someday.