Sailing Towards Dreams
Student Feature – Elkan Reshawn Oh
The adrenaline-pumping action and the close proximity to nature have kept Elkan Reshawn Oh at sea. Elkan is on a mission to sail to the top and joined Singapore Sports School in 2023 to support his quest towards his sporting goals. Elkan is currently the only student-athlete in Sailing under the Individual Programme at Sports School.
Elkan was introduced to Sailing in 2015 when he was 10 years old. He participated in a weekend sailing event conducted by DBS, which changed his life’s journey. A recreational activity he tried over a weekend turned into a passion when he started seriously pursuing it. Elkan honed his skills in Windsurfing during the initial years before switching to Windfoiling in 2020. Windfoiling, which was a niche sport several years ago, has taken off in recent times and has become increasingly popular. In 2024, Windfoiling will replace Windsurfing in the Olympic Games, and Elkan has set his eyes on making it to the pinnacle sports event. Elkan is glad to have taken up Windfoiling as he enjoys the fast speed and action that comes with the sport. Windfoiling makes use of a windsurfing board that is suspended above the water with a hydrofoil attached to it, creating a much smoother and faster ride.
However, his journey as a sailor is not as smooth-sailing. “It is not easy being a sailor. We have to travel to many countries to experience different environments and weather conditions over a long period of time. With each trip being at least one month, it is tough to keep pace with my studies. As a sailor, I also need to take charge of my own training and draft training and competition plans. With the help of my father, we arrange overseas opportunities to gain international exposure, sparring partners, and good experience to sharpen my skills.” He was also gunning to participate in the Youth Olympic Games, which was eventually cancelled. Despite the challenges, Elkan remains focused on turning his dreams into reality.
The former Victoria Secondary School and Victoria Junior College student-athlete decided to take up the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Sports School as the School’s athlete-friendliness attracted him. Since he needs to travel often and aims to achieve the Olympic dream, the extended IBDP programme offered at Sports School, and its support system better fits his aspirations.
“It has only been a few weeks, and I can already feel the difference. It is nice being in a school with like-minded individuals who have a keen interest in sports, have goals and commitments beyond academics, and have dreams similar to mine. It is interesting to hear more about other sports from my friends and learn from them,” said Elkan.
Within his first month as a Sports School student-athlete, Elkan finished in 3rd place in the Under-19 category at the 2023 Thailand Windsurfing Championships and Pattaya International Windsurfing Cup, held from 14 to 15 January 2023.
On his upcoming plans, Elkan shared that he will be heading to Spain for a month-long trip. He is working hard to make his debut at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the next Olympic Games. “I know making it to the next Olympic Games may be tough, but it is important to set challenging goals to keep going.”
Elkan’s life motto is ‘Enjoy the ride’. While sailing, it serves as a reminder to keep calm and focused and enjoy the process. Out of the waters, he feels it is important to be happy and cherish little moments.
We are confident that with his positive attitude, self-discipline, and determination, Elkan will be going places and is sailing in the right direction towards his dreams.
The adrenaline-pumping action and the close proximity to nature have kept Elkan Reshawn Oh at sea. Elkan is on a mission to sail to the top and joined Singapore Sports School in 2023 to support his quest towards his sporting goals. Elkan is currently the only student-athlete in Sailing under the Individual Programme at Sports School.
Elkan was introduced to Sailing in 2015 when he was 10 years old. He participated in a weekend sailing event conducted by DBS, which changed his life’s journey. A recreational activity he tried over a weekend turned into a passion when he started seriously pursuing it. Elkan honed his skills in Windsurfing during the initial years before switching to Windfoiling in 2020. Windfoiling, which was a niche sport several years ago, has taken off in recent times and has become increasingly popular. In 2024, Windfoiling will replace Windsurfing in the Olympic Games, and Elkan has set his eyes on making it to the pinnacle sports event. Elkan is glad to have taken up Windfoiling as he enjoys the fast speed and action that comes with the sport. Windfoiling makes use of a windsurfing board that is suspended above the water with a hydrofoil attached to it, creating a much smoother and faster ride.
However, his journey as a sailor is not as smooth-sailing. “It is not easy being a sailor. We have to travel to many countries to experience different environments and weather conditions over a long period of time. With each trip being at least one month, it is tough to keep pace with my studies. As a sailor, I also need to take charge of my own training and draft training and competition plans. With the help of my father, we arrange overseas opportunities to gain international exposure, sparring partners, and good experience to sharpen my skills.” He was also gunning to participate in the Youth Olympic Games, which was eventually cancelled. Despite the challenges, Elkan remains focused on turning his dreams into reality.
The former Victoria Secondary School and Victoria Junior College student-athlete decided to take up the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Sports School as the School’s athlete-friendliness attracted him. Since he needs to travel often and aims to achieve the Olympic dream, the extended IBDP programme offered at Sports School, and its support system better fits his aspirations.
“It has only been a few weeks, and I can already feel the difference. It is nice being in a school with like-minded individuals who have a keen interest in sports, have goals and commitments beyond academics, and have dreams similar to mine. It is interesting to hear more about other sports from my friends and learn from them,” said Elkan.
Within his first month as a Sports School student-athlete, Elkan finished in 3rd place in the Under-19 category at the 2023 Thailand Windsurfing Championships and Pattaya International Windsurfing Cup, held from 14 to 15 January 2023.
On his upcoming plans, Elkan shared that he will be heading to Spain for a month-long trip. He is working hard to make his debut at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the next Olympic Games. “I know making it to the next Olympic Games may be tough, but it is important to set challenging goals to keep going.”
Elkan’s life motto is ‘Enjoy the ride’. While sailing, it serves as a reminder to keep calm and focused and enjoy the process. Out of the waters, he feels it is important to be happy and cherish little moments.
We are confident that with his positive attitude, self-discipline, and determination, Elkan will be going places and is sailing in the right direction towards his dreams.
