“But nothing came close to being on the rugby pitch. It was magic.” – Michael Palmer

Interview by Les Tan/Red Sports

Michael Palmer, 43, is a Member of Parliament for Punggol East. He was first elected to parliament in 2006.

Michael studied at St Andrew’s Junior School (PSLE — ’80), St Andrew’s Secondary (GCE O Levels — ’84), St Andrew’s Junior College (GCE A Levels — ’86) and the University of London (LLB (Hons) — ’92).

Michael is currently a partner at the law firm of Harry Elias Partnership. He is married with one child.

In an exclusive interview with Red Sports, he shares with us the role that sports has played in his life.

Red Sports: What part has sports and exercise played in your life?
Michael Palmer: My first introduction to sports was when I signed up to play rugby for the St. Andrew’s Secondary School team in Secondary 1. After that I never looked back. Rugby became a large part of my life until I left university. I also tried my hand at many other sports like soccer, hockey, squash, badminton, table tennis and cricket.

But nothing came close to being on the rugby pitch. It was magic. The sport also helped me acquire vital life skills, and built my character, which has helped me get to where I am now as a Member of Parliament and as a lawyer.

One particular episode stands out for me, not one of great victory, but one of defeat. It was when we lost the Rugby finals. Team spirit is easy when you are the winner, but to understand the importance of the team and pull together as a team after a defeat was one of the most difficult things I had to do. That, and learning how to get up and try again, both as an individual and as a team.

These were hard lessons, but now, I apply what I learnt whenever I hit a wall or face a setback. I resolutely pick myself up, take a deep breath, reflect on what went wrong and how I can get it right the next time, and try again. I apply this in my work, in politics and in all aspects of life.

Red Sports: What’s your perspective on how physically rugged Singaporeans are as a people?
Michael Palmer: I think that as the country has developed, we have become accustomed to the comforts of life in Singapore. Many children and youths tend to spend too much time in front of a screen, be it a TV, computer or iPad. So I am glad to see a resurgence of sport in Singapore. I think this will help our youths to get out into the open air and live life a little bit more.

But it is a fact that sometimes, as adults, it is hard to find time. I had to stop playing rugby because I just did not have the time to continue with training and I believe that rugby is not a sport that you can play without training for it.

So now I play golf and I run. Golf keeps the mind focused and running keeps the heart rate up and helps me to relax. So I’ve had to make changes in order to remain active.

Red Sports: What is your wish for Singapore’s sporting future?
Michael Palmer: I hope that we will develop as a sporting nation. I think that I would like to see more young Singaporeans stepping up to pursue their talents and passion in sports, and winning medals.

But most of all I would like to see everyday people like you and me, getting out and playing sports at a community level. I think we have the hardware. I am confident that the day will come. The signs are encouraging — just look at the rapidly increasing numbers for each run that is held here. I am truly encouraged.

Michael Palmer Fitness Fact file
10km run: About 55 mins.
5km run: About 30 mins.
2.4 km: Haven’t done one in a while. Probably about 12 mins to 13 mins.