‘Unwavering belief’: The long-time coach pushing Singapore star swimmer Gan Ching Hwee to new heights

“Our relationship was quite rocky over COVID-19 (pandemic) especially, because I also wasn’t seeing results and I was feeling very frustrated training alone.”

There were even times when she would go an entire training session without uttering a word to Chia, recalled Gan.

“Thinking back, I could have communicated a little bit better,” said Chia.

“But of course, as a coach, I’m also learning. I was not an Olympic athlete, I was just a school and club swimmer. I’ve never represented Singapore before.

“All my swimmers have surpassed my own personal level of performance as a swimmer. So I have to keep learning as much as I can in order to help them.”

With the help of a sports psychologist who acted as the “bridge” between the pair, they worked things out.

“As much as I’m also advancing to the senior level, it’s also his first time coaching like someone who’s going to world championships or trying to make the Olympics,” said Gan.

“We gave each other enough grace there, and then worked it through eventually.”