Yip Pin Xiu is a celebrated Singaporean backstroke swimmer and a six-time Paralympic gold medalist. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, she has emerged as Southeast Asia’s most decorated swimming Paralympian, holding two world records in the 50 m and 100 m backstroke S2 events. Since her debut in competitive swimming at age 12, Yip has achieved remarkable success, winning numerous medals at international competitions, including the Summer Paralympics and World Championships. Her journey has inspired many, highlighting the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities.

Early Life and Education
Yip Pin Xiu was born on January 10, 1992, in Singapore as the youngest of three children. Diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, her symptoms manifested when she was two years old. Swimming began at age five to improve her health, and by thirteen, she had lost the ability to walk, using a wheelchair instead. Yip attended Ai Tong Primary School, Bendemeer Secondary School, and graduated from Republic Polytechnic. She later earned a Bachelor of Social Science from Singapore Management University in 2017.

Personal Information

Full Name: Yip Pin Xiu
Date of Birth: January 10, 1992
Place of Birth: Singapore
Family: Youngest of three children
Disability: Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome
Early Swimming Start: Began swimming at age 5
Loss of Mobility: Lost ability to walk at age 13; uses a wheelchair
Education:
Ai Tong Primary School
Bendemeer Secondary School
Republic Polytechnic (Backup Valedictorian)
Singapore Management University (Bachelor of Social Science, 2017)
Public Service: Nominated Member of Parliament (2018-2020)
Current Role: Member of the Athlete Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (since January 2022)

Swimming Career
Yip began competitive swimming at twelve, transitioning to backstroke after losing the ability to kick. She was reclassified to the S2 category, competing with physical impairments. Early success in national competitions led to her debut at the 2005 Asia Paralympics Swimming Championship, winning gold. At the 2008 Summer Paralympics, she secured a gold medal in the 50m backstroke, setting a world record. This was followed by her historic achievements at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, where she won two gold medals and set new world records.

Achievements
Yip is Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, with six gold medals from the Paralympics and multiple world records in the S2 category. She continued to dominate in subsequent competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where she won two more gold medals. Recognized for her contributions to sports, Yip has received numerous awards, including the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal) and the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement in 2022.

Political Career and Advocacy
Yip was a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore from 2018 to 2020. She is also involved in the Athlete Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency, advocating for clean sports.

Personal Life
In February 2022, she was honored with the President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement for her contributions to sports and the community. Her coach is former Olympian Mark Chay.

Honours

• Six-time Paralympic Gold Medalist
• Four-time World Champion
• Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal)
• President’s Award for Inspiring Achievement
• Sportswoman of the Year (2019, 2021, 2022)

Conclusion

Yip Pin Xiu’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, inspiring many in Singapore and beyond. Her remarkable achievements continue to shine a spotlight on the capabilities of athletes with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and recognition in sports.