Nicolette Teo Wei Min (Chinese: 张维敏; pinyin: Zhāng Wéimǐn), born on April 19, 1986, is a former Singaporean swimmer, renowned for her specialization in the breaststroke. Her career spans various prestigious competitions, including the Summer Olympics and the Southeast Asian Games, where she made an indelible mark with multiple medal wins. Teo’s legacy in swimming continues to inspire many aspiring athletes from Singapore and around the world.

Early Life and Education

Teo grew up in Singapore and was a student at Methodist Girls’ School, where she began her early training in swimming. Her passion for the sport took her across the globe, and she represented Mission Viejo High School in California. At the California Interscholastic Federation swimming tournament, she earned recognition for her performance, securing second place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:02.17 and fourth place in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:04.79. During this time, she also excelled in long course events, setting impressive times in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke.

College and Further Achievements

Teo continued her swimming career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned All-American honors for her contributions to the 400m medley relay team, which placed 13th at the NCAA Championships. She also placed 22nd in the 100m breaststroke and 29th in the 200m breaststroke at the same competition. In 2005, she represented Singapore at the World Championships in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke events, further solidifying her status as a world-class swimmer.

International Career and SEA Games Success

Teo’s career highlights include multiple appearances at the Southeast Asian Games, where she earned numerous medals. Her dominant performances in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events saw her winning nine gold medals, including a sweep of the breaststroke events in the 2007 SEA Games.

Here is a summary of her most notable medal achievements:

• Gold Medals (9)
  • 200m Breaststroke (1999, 2005, 2007)
  • 100m Breaststroke (2001, 2007)
  • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (2003)
  • 4x100m Medley Relay (2003, 2005, 2007)
• Silver Medals (7)
  • 200m Breaststroke (2001, 2003, 2005)
  • 100m Breaststroke (2003, 2005)
  • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (2001)
  • 4x100m Medley Relay (2001)
  • 200 IM (2005)
• Bronze Medal (1)
  • 200 IM (2003)

Teo’s consistent performance at the Southeast Asian Games is a testament to her dedication and skill in the breaststroke discipline, where she competed against some of the best swimmers in the region.

Olympic Participation

In addition to her success at regional competitions, Teo represented Singapore at three separate Olympic Games: 2000, 2004, and 2008. Despite facing stiff competition on the world’s biggest stage, her participation in these prestigious events contributed to her recognition as one of Singapore’s top swimmers.

National Records

Teo also set several national records during her career, including:

• 100m Breaststroke: 1:10.15 (2007)
• 200m Breaststroke: 2:31.96 (2007)

These records stand as a testament to her exceptional skill in breaststroke swimming, particularly in the context of Southeast Asian swimming competitions.

Legacy

Nicolette Teo’s career is marked by a blend of talent, hard work, and perseverance. She remains one of Singapore’s most decorated swimmers, with a remarkable collection of SEA Games medals and national records. As a pioneer in breaststroke events, Teo’s achievements have not only brought her fame but have also inspired future generations of Singaporean swimmers to strive for excellence.

Her performances in international competitions and her consistency in the SEA Games continue to be celebrated by swimming enthusiasts. Though she has since retired, Teo’s legacy endures as a source of pride for Singapore and as an example of dedication and success in the world of competitive swimming.