Vincent Koh (left) set the record for the most number of laps swum by an individual with 306 laps at the SAFRA Swim For Hope 2013. (Photo 1 courtesy of SAFRA)
Swimming is one of Vincent Koh’s favourite sports so it is a no brainer for him to do it for charity. The 40-year-old production manager first heard of the Swim For Hope event through a friend in 2011. Since then, Koh has been volunteering his time to contribute to the cause every year. Last year, Koh broke the record for the most laps swum by an individual with 306 laps (15,300m).
With the event going into its fourth edition this year, Koh, along with his family and teammates from the Sapphire Swimming Team, is returning to help raise funds for the SAF Care Fund, Singapore Children’s Society and Aquatics Heart & Hope.
Koh is an avid swimmer and has plenty of long distance swimming experience. Due to the need for endurance training, the father of two spends at least an hour in the pools at SAFRA Yishun and Tampines thrice weekly. Besides regular lap practice, Koh makes sure to swim in crowded pools too.
“On the actual day of Swim For Hope, you’ll be experiencing people swimming all around you. You will need to avoid them and to swim around them. You cannot practise that in a single-person lane. You have to practise it in an actual situation,” said Koh.
“During my time in National Service, we went through a lot of endurance training and long distance swimming is also about endurance. Your mind is ready so that actually helps you to get through it,” Koh added.
Despite having a strong background in swimming, Koh had felt intimidated in last year’s Swim For Hope event. “There were a lot of strong boys around. I’m sure they are from the Navy or Army and so I was like, okay, wow, there are a lot of very good swimmers around,” he laughed. “So I just told myself, nah, just swim and do what I can.”
Koh achieved his goal of swimming at least 300 laps during the event, setting the individual record with 306 laps. Koh believed that his competitive spirit and adequate training helped to eliminate his initial anxiety, allowing him to perform better.
Koh sees the event as a great opportunity to give back to the community and stressed on the importance of doing a part for charity.
“I encourage everyone to come and join in the spirit of giving. That’s very important. And with that in mind, how many laps you can swim, it doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is that you are doing it. Whether it is one lap or 20 laps or even 100 laps, do as many as you can and just enjoy yourself,” said Koh.
For more information on Swim For Hope 2014, visit: http://www.safra.sg/en/Participate/SAFRA-Swim-for-Hope/FAQ.aspx#.VCJKJUstspE
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