Singapore tops SEA Games swimming medal table with 19 golds amid rising regional competition

Singapore’s swimmers once again asserted their standing as Southeast Asia’s leading force, finishing the 33rd SEA Games with 19 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals in Thailand.

Despite facing increased competition and a slower-than-usual start, Singapore comfortably led the swimming medal standings, winning more than triple the gold medals of second-placed Vietnam, which secured six.

The SEA Games were held from 9 to 20 December 2025, with swimming competitions spread across the Games period in Thailand.

National head coach highlights resilience after early challenges

Singapore swimming national head coach Gary Tan praised his team’s resilience, particularly after a challenging opening phase where they collected seven gold medals over the first three days.

“When we went in to assess and talk to the coaches and actually have a conversation with the kids, the team started to lift together and come together,” Tan told Singapore media outlets.

“If there's one thing that we got from this event, it was the resilience that these team members brought to these Games,” he added.

Lower gold tally reflects rising regional standards

Tan said the medal tally carried deeper significance than past successes, noting the psychological challenge his swimmers overcame.

“I am very, very happy. It makes me more happy than winning 23 gold medals,” he said. “This 19 meant so much to us, knowing that we came from behind.”

“People were doubting, and I told this team to stick their head down and just go for it,” Tan added, saying he could not ask for more from his swimmers.

While Singapore topped the standings, the 19 golds marked their lowest haul across the last four SEA Games, matching the total achieved in 2017.

The team had previously won 23 golds in 2019, 21 in 2022 and 22 in the 2023 edition.

Tan acknowledged that the narrower margin reflected growing strength across the region rather than a decline in Singapore’s programme.

Regional rivals break Singapore streaks

Several longstanding Singapore winning streaks were broken during the meet, underlining rising regional competition.

Indonesia’s Jason Donovan Yusuf ended Singapore dominance in the men’s 100m backstroke, while Thailand’s Kamonchanok Kwanmuang claimed victories in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle events.

The Philippines also made history when Kayla Sanchez anchored her team to their first-ever women’s 4x100m freestyle relay gold.

Thailand added to the surprises by defeating Singapore in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

Renewal underway ahead of home SEA Games

“There will always be someone that comes through,” said Tan. “We can only stick in our lane and focus on our own mission, and that mission is to look forward.”

Tan described the meet as a turning point, signalling renewal within the national team.

“I will not deny there are gaps. But as a generation comes through, we do need to know that we have some sort of renewal,” he said.

He added that addressing those gaps would be crucial as Singapore prepares for the 2029 SEA Games on home soil.

Record-breaking performances lead the way

Among Singapore’s standout performers was Letitia Sim, who won five gold medals and set five Games records.

Gan Ching Hwee also delivered a historic achievement, becoming the first Singaporean swimmer to sweep the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle titles for a third consecutive SEA Games.

Tan revealed that the coaching staff had projected an 18-gold outcome before the meet began.

“We came home with one more than the expected gold medal prediction,” he said. “This last day really pushed it for us.”

Final-day surge seals Singapore’s dominance

Singapore concluded the swimming programme strongly, securing five gold medals on the final day of competition.

In the men’s 200m backstroke, Quah Zheng Wen captured his third gold medal of the Games, clocking 2:00.62.

He finished ahead of Indonesia’s Farrel Tangkas and Thailand’s Tonnam Kanteemool.

“This win is definitely one of the most memorable and important to me,” said Quah.

Young and experienced swimmers shine in closing races

Gan followed with another highlight, setting a new Games record in the women’s 200m freestyle.

She finished ahead of Vietnam’s Vo Thi My Tien and Thailand’s Kamonchanok Kwanmuang.

Chan Jun Hao later won gold in the men’s 50m breaststroke, setting a new national record, while Singapore capped the meet with a Games record in the women’s 4x100m medley relay.