Meet Tyan Foong, a remarkable 16-year-old athlete who's making waves—literally! Just months after leading Singapore's under-16 football team to a close second at the Lion City Cup, she's trading her cleats for wakeboards to chase SEA Games success.

This December, she’ll represent Singapore at the SEA Games in Pathum Thani, Thailand, as part of a six-member cable wakeboarding team. After a six-year absence, wakesports are making a thrilling comeback to the Games, aiming to add to Singapore’s impressive medal haul of 20 in previous years.

Foong's journey began at just eight years old with football, but it was a few years later that her affinity for wakeboarding emerged, thanks to her uncle. "I discovered my passion and started taking it seriously," she revealed, reminiscing about her first board she got in Primary Six.

Balancing sports and academics has been a challenge, especially with her O-Level exams looming. She meticulously schedules her training, heading to the wake park each morning before hitting the books. "I might take a break now and then, especially if I need to clear my mind," she noted.

Choosing wakeboarding for her SEA Games debut wasn’t a light decision. "Football demands immense commitment and a rigorous training schedule. Wakeboarding allows me more flexibility to juggle my academics and training, making it a perfect fit for me right now," she explained. But her love for football remains; she dreams of competing in that arena someday.

Meanwhile, her teammate Clarence Batchelor, 22, is driven by a deeply personal goal. After losing his father four years ago, he’s channeling that grief into his training, aiming for gold in tribute to his dad—who first ignited his passion for wakeboarding. Despite facing two serious injuries that nearly ended his career, Batchelor is back in action and more determined than ever.

On the older side of the spectrum, 34-year-old Nurul Farhan Misran has transformed his initial fear of water into a love of wakeboarding. After starting from scratch, he’s now a seasoned competitor, though he admits feeling pressure against younger athletes. Yet, his experience has made him a vital part of the team.

The team’s coach, Yunos Yusop, is optimistic about their chances for medals. With years of coaching experience and a keen eye on his athletes' progress, he confidently predicts a strong performance at the Games, aiming for gold amidst formidable competitors from Thailand and the Philippines.

With the excitement building among local wakeboarding fans, the team is gearing up for a fantastic showdown. The Singapore Waterski and Wakeboard Federation is thrilled to showcase a blend of seasoned athletes and up-and-coming stars at this year’s SEA Games, with sights set on medal glory!

As we anticipate this thrilling return of wakesports, all eyes will be on Tyan Foong and her fellow competitors as they aim to carve their names into SEA Games history.