Siow Yi Ting strikes an enchanting pose though she is undeniably our “Malaysian Swimming Queen” given her immense experience, contribution to the nation and seniority in the Malaysian elite swim squad. Hailing from Seremban, she has achieved what many aspirants only dream about. A seasoned Olympian, she represented our nation at the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics; 2002 Busan and 2006 Doha Asian Games; and the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. She won 10 gold medals in six SEA Games appearances.
That’s on the “getting down to business” front but in getting to know Yi Ting a bit better we get behind the swimming scene to unveil her personality just a wee bit more. Beyond the pool and behind the enthrallment of this 26-year old’s successes Yi Ting is truly an affable, refined and humble woman. A young lady of substance, Yi Ting is simple to the bone but very much a high achiever at heart. Born of the zodiac sign of Sagittarius – a sign that’s known for its sensitivity, congeniality and analytical nature, she exudes an air of calm determination with the embellishment of grace and kind nature.
So what are her favorite foods? What does she think about cuisines? Without hesitation, she responded that she wholesomely “loves” Western breakfast. She coyly remarked that she could easily have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course that’s just the top of her list. Beyond that, she has a luring penchant, if not a pleasurable weakness, for invigorating Thai, exotic Korean and refined Japanese cuisine.
Music provides relaxation as well as exhilaration and is good for putting people in the right mood. With music, Yi Ting finds solace and delight in the likes of Foster the People, Linkin Park, Black Eyed Peas and Eminem. As for the symphony of colors, she finds turquoise and all the neon colors simply irresistible. When prodded as to what she meant by “neon” colors, she eagerly answered: “bright, vibrant, brilliant and striking colors”. It’s not difficult to fathom why turquoise is tops because perhaps owing to its calming and pleasing shade for the eyes as well as having an affinity to warm waters.
For ladies, shopping is another spice of life. So what would her passion be? Yi Ting admits that she relishes and indulges in high-heeled shoes and big or chunky earrings when she has a chance to go shopping. She dresses according to occasion but prefers casual and easy dressing. Understandably that means comfort in dressing. For jeans, she usually goes for Forever 21.
Well-traveled, Siow Yi Ting is perceivably a young lady with fine looks, brains and talents; and a touch for the creativity and soulfulness of art. Remarkably, that is a rather special combination. She finished high school at the world-famous Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida and thereafter, studied at the University of Wisconsin before graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts (Arts).
When asked what she finds conducive in Arena products, she charmingly answered: “I love to race in Arena suits because they fit comfortably to my body – it’s sort of very suitable for Asian physique”. “With training suits, I simply love the striking and vibrant colors and designs of Arena”. “They are striking and fun”.
In her message to the kids and youths who love the swimming sport, she has these kind and motivational words to impart: “train hard, show no fear and be confident during competitions”. “Don't get too hard on yourself if you don't do your best time but be humble when you become a top swimmer”.
We along with our fellow Malaysians wish Siow Yi Ting the very best in her future endeavors. She qualified for the London 2012 Olympics and that would hopefully be included in her already impressive accolades of achievements.
Swim on Yi Ting !
