SINGAPORE - Meet Yim Shek Yen, an 18-year-old from the Singapore Sports School, whose resilience and determination have made headlines as he navigates the challenges of competitive diving, alongside his academic pursuits.

In late 2022, as Shek Yen prepared for his debut at an international diving competition, disaster struck. After an intense dive from a 10-meter platform, he experienced dizziness and loss of hearing in his left ear. The diagnosis? A perforated eardrum.

“I was terrified. Losing my hearing was my worst nightmare,” Shek Yen recounted, recognizing the gravity of the situation as it effectively sidelined him from competing for Singapore on the world stage. Regrettably, he was also informed by his doctor that recovery would take a significant three-month hiatus from training.

Devastated by the missed opportunity to dive in Montreal, Shek Yen found solace with family during the approaching school holidays. His parents, both anaesthesiologists, and his 16-year-old sister provided their support, grounding him during this tumultuous time.

Fast forward to early 2024, as he geared up for his next international opportunity, fate took another turn.

After a practice session, Shek Yen felt the all-too-familiar symptoms returning. “It wasn’t as severe as the first injury, but I was frustrated to realize I couldn't compete again,” he said.

However, the young athlete displayed remarkable growth. Instead of succumbing to despair, Shek Yen redirected his focus. With three months off training, he devoted himself to his studies for the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, which thousands of students undertake each year as a pathway to higher education.

Among a cohort of 30 student-athletes from the Singapore Sports School, he channeled his energy into completing extensive essays and rigorous research projects as part of the curriculum. His hard work paid off spectacularly when he scored an impressive 43 out of a possible 45 points on his IB exams.

Despite the struggles of resuming diving training after being out for three months, Shek Yen astonished everyone by achieving a personal best score at the Singapore National Diving Competition in September 2024.

“The toughest part about injuries in diving is reconditioning your body after a break. It’s a significant time investment,” he explained, emphasizing the complexities athletes face in maintaining their skills.

Looking ahead, Shek Yen has ambitions of attending university; however, he is torn about his future in professional diving. After completing his national service starting January 2025, he reflects, “If I can’t dive for two years, I worry I’ll lose my edge. But I’m determined to find ways to train and adapt as best as I can.”

Shek Yen's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication, proving that setbacks can lead to unforeseen opportunities. He continues to inspire those around him and represents the spirit of resilience in sports. Keep an eye on this rising star!