Contributed by Shane Neubronner

Singapore, September 9, 2010 — The FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup 2010 series, due to kick off in Rio de Janeiro from 10 to 12 September 2010, will feature four promising Singaporean swimmers in action against the world’s best.

This was announced today by the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA), as part of its top-to-bottom approach towards developing promising local talents and exposing them to international competitions.

The Singapore Swimming Association has selected Jeremy Tan Zhi Hao, Quah Zheng Wen, Nur Marina Chan Shi Min Alif Abdullah and Natasha Lin Low E-Hsuen to compete in the upcoming short-course meet, where they will come up against world-class swimmers.

Quah Zheng Wen, aged 14 years old, will compete in the 100m and 200m butterfly events and 100m and 200m backstroke events. Jeremy Tan, also 14 years old, will feature in the 100m and 200m backstroke and 400m and 1500m freestyle events. 13-year-old Natasha Lin will contest in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, along with the 200m and 400m individual medley categories.

Ang Peng Wee, SSA Vice-President (Swimming) said: “These swimmers have been selected to represent Singapore and compete in the first leg of the FINA/Arena Swimming World Cup in Rio de Janeiro based on their current performance. We hope that the experience they gain from this event, as well as throughout this year’s series will aid their all-round development. It will definitely be an eye-opener for them, and an excellent opportunity for them to grow as competitors.”

After the opening leg in Rio de Janiero, the FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup 2010 series will move to Beijing and then to Singapore, followed by additional legs in Tokyo, Berlin, Moscow and Stockholm.

“The FINA/Arena Swimming World Cup in Singapore will be exciting with Beijing and Tokyo involved this time around. We will have the opportunity to witness some Asian powerhouses competing,” Peng Wee said.

The FINA/Arena Swimming World Cup in Singapore will be held at the Singapore Sports School from the 16-17 October. Heats will be held at 9am to 11am and the finals at 6pm to 8pm on both days. Ticket prices are at $20 per day or $30 for 2 days. Tickets are available at www.finaworldcup.com.sg or call 6258 1011 for more information.