S1E18: Why are the Olympics so special?

The Straits Times Podcasts

Singaporeans who have been to Olympics tell us why it is so important.

Synopsis: The Straits Times tackles the talking points in sport every second Wednesday of the month.

Whether you are an athlete or a sports enthusiast, it is clear that the Olympics hold a special place in hearts worldwide.

From historic achievements to record breaking feats, the Olympics serve up some unforgettable moments every four years. As Paris 2024 approaches, we enlisted the help of people who have been to the Olympics to tell us why the event captures the imagination the way it does.

In this special episode centred around the Olympics, sports reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is joined by assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath, former national sprinter C. Kunalan, former national shooter Lee Wung Yew, and current national swimmer Quah Ting Wen as they discuss the significance of the Games.

(This episode was recorded before it was confirmed on July 8 that Ting Wen will not compete in the Paris Olympics)

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:15 What did the Olympics mean growing up?

11:25 C. Kunalan’s memory of his first Olympics representing Singapore

17:33 Ting Wen on her realisation of being at her first Olympics

19:40 Why the Olympics is so inspiring for athletes

23:20 How do athletes wear the pressure of the Games given it comes around only every four years? Why parents should be a safe space for their children who pursue sports

29:30 On the mismatch of expectations of Singaporeans when it comes to the Olympics

37:26 Guests’ favourite Olympics moment

Read: https://str.sg/5Wn3

Produced by: Deepanraj Ganesan ([e-mail]), Amirul Karim, Hadyu Rahim and Hana Chen

Filmed by: Marc de Souza, Haziq Baharudin, Vikneshwaran Rao, ST Video

Edited by: Amirul Karim

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Chapters

1. Why are the Olympics so special? (00:00:00)

2. What did the Olympics mean growing up? (00:01:15)

3. C. Kunalan’s memory of his first Olympics (00:11:25)

4. Ting Wen on her first Olympics (00:17:33)

5. Why the Olympics is so inspiring for athletes (00:19:40)

6. Pressure of the Games only every four years (00:23:20)

7. Expectations of Singaporeans for Olympics (00:29:30)

8. Guests’ favourite Olympics moment (00:37:26)