Paralympics gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu to become first recipient President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement

Five-time Paralympic gold medalist Yip Pin Xiu will be the inaugural recipient of the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement.

The announcement was made by Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 5). He said that the proposal for the award was approved by President Halimah Yacob. 

The award will acknowledge Singaporeans that have prevailed personal hardship and led inspiring lives through achievements and contributions to society.  

Mr Tong said: “Pin Xiu has demonstrated these exceptional qualities… she has stared adversity in the face and overcome it time and time again. She is truly an inspiration to Singaporeans and it is only appropriate that she will now become the inaugural recipient of this award.”

Yip, who was in attendance in Parliament with fellow Paralympians and Olympians, said she was “extremely honoured” to be the first recipient. 

She also encouraged Singaporeans to “push themselves beyond what is expected of them…and be the best version of themselves”.  

The para-swimmer won five gold medals from three Paralympic Games over a 13-year period. Her two most recent wins came at the Tokyo Games in August. 

Yip also holds the world record for the 50m and 100m backstroke. Both records were set on the same day at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

She won the first of her five gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games in the 50m backstroke at just 16 years old. Her next two gold medals (50m and 100m backstroke) were achieved at the 2016 Rio Games, which she successfully defended in Tokyo this year.  

Apart from her swimming success, Yip has also served as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) from 2018 to 2020 where she was vocal about sexual violence on campuses, workplace harassment and also advocating on issues like sports and inclusivity.