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Janelle’s Journey Beyond The Pool As A Student-Athlete And Leader
Janelle’s Journey Beyond The Pool As A Student-Athlete And Leader
Feature: Janelle Yeo Run En
President of the 21st Student Council Janelle Yeo Run En’s sporting journey in Artistic Swimming began at the age of 10, following years of exploring competitive swimming, ballet, and gymnastics since five years old. Inspired by a video shared by her mother featuring the fluid movements and graceful lifts of artistic swimmers, she was instantly drawn to this perfect fusion of dance and swimming.
With a strong desire to excel in sports and studies, it was a natural decision for the Northoaks Primary School student to join Singapore Sports School at Secondary 1. Through the school's athlete-friendly programme, she knew she would be able to strike a balance between school and training.
“Sports School’s facilities would allow me to conveniently self-train in the pool after classes, maximising my time before leaving for external training. Moreover, the allure of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), known for its rigorous curriculum and global perspective, inspired me to work hard to enter the programme,” shared the IBDP Year 5 student-athlete.
For Janelle, a typical day at Sports School is a whirlwind of classes, study sessions at the IB Centre, and rigorous external training, which often concludes late at night. Amidst this demanding schedule, one of Janelle’s most cherished memories remains the simple joy of having light-hearted conversations over a nutritious meal with her friends. These moments of camaraderie and support have been pivotal in her journey, bolstering her confidence and resolve.
The School's unwavering belief in her potential has also been instrumental in her growth as a student-athlete. Supported by dedicated mentors and coaches, she pushed beyond her comfort zone to embrace challenges and prepare rigorously for competitions, including the FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships in 2022, where representing Singapore was her most fulfilling achievement.
Balancing academics and sports has not been without its challenges, particularly in finding time for rest amidst a relentless schedule. Yet, through careful time management and engaging in activities that provide relaxation, Janelle learned the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
“I often get caught up with completing tasks as quickly as possible in order to maximise the little time I have outside of training, making life constantly feel like a race. However, allocating time in my busy schedule to do things that help me relax, such as reading or crocheting, has allowed me to stop to smell the roses,” shared Janelle, whose busy schedule did not stop her from stepping forward to lead the Student Council as the President this year.
She said: ”I am grateful for the support I received from the School. I hope to give back to the School by creating a positive impact for my fellow student-athletes, and to leave the School a better place than I joined.”
For aspiring student-athletes, her advice is simple: “Don’t compare yourself to others; know that everyone grows at their own pace! It’s easy to focus solely on the results and medals, but the journey is what’s truly important. So, keep following your dreams being guided by your passion.”
President of the 21st Student Council Janelle Yeo Run En’s sporting journey in Artistic Swimming began at the age of 10, following years of exploring competitive swimming, ballet, and gymnastics since five years old. Inspired by a video shared by her mother featuring the fluid movements and graceful lifts of artistic swimmers, she was instantly drawn to this perfect fusion of dance and swimming.
With a strong desire to excel in sports and studies, it was a natural decision for the Northoaks Primary School student to join Singapore Sports School at Secondary 1. Through the school's athlete-friendly programme, she knew she would be able to strike a balance between school and training.
“Sports School’s facilities would allow me to conveniently self-train in the pool after classes, maximising my time before leaving for external training. Moreover, the allure of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), known for its rigorous curriculum and global perspective, inspired me to work hard to enter the programme,” shared the IBDP Year 5 student-athlete.
For Janelle, a typical day at Sports School is a whirlwind of classes, study sessions at the IB Centre, and rigorous external training, which often concludes late at night. Amidst this demanding schedule, one of Janelle’s most cherished memories remains the simple joy of having light-hearted conversations over a nutritious meal with her friends. These moments of camaraderie and support have been pivotal in her journey, bolstering her confidence and resolve.
The School's unwavering belief in her potential has also been instrumental in her growth as a student-athlete. Supported by dedicated mentors and coaches, she pushed beyond her comfort zone to embrace challenges and prepare rigorously for competitions, including the FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships in 2022, where representing Singapore was her most fulfilling achievement.
Balancing academics and sports has not been without its challenges, particularly in finding time for rest amidst a relentless schedule. Yet, through careful time management and engaging in activities that provide relaxation, Janelle learned the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
“I often get caught up with completing tasks as quickly as possible in order to maximise the little time I have outside of training, making life constantly feel like a race. However, allocating time in my busy schedule to do things that help me relax, such as reading or crocheting, has allowed me to stop to smell the roses,” shared Janelle, whose busy schedule did not stop her from stepping forward to lead the Student Council as the President this year.
She said: ”I am grateful for the support I received from the School. I hope to give back to the School by creating a positive impact for my fellow student-athletes, and to leave the School a better place than I joined.”
For aspiring student-athletes, her advice is simple: “Don’t compare yourself to others; know that everyone grows at their own pace! It’s easy to focus solely on the results and medals, but the journey is what’s truly important. So, keep following your dreams being guided by your passion.”
