Yip Pin Xiu

Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, Yip Pin Xiu has transformed sporting excellence into a powerful platform for inclusion and equal opportunity. Since becoming the nation’s first Paralympic gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games, she has amassed seven golds and one silver across five Paralympics, establishing herself among the world’s foremost para-swimmers.

At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Yip successfully defended her 50m and 100m backstroke S2 titles, completing an extraordinary three-peat across three consecutive Games. She continued her winning streak at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, securing her eighth world title with gold in the 50m backstroke S2 and silver in the 100m event. Her performance earned her a sixth Sportswoman of the Year accolade at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards in November 2025.

Beyond her achievements in the pool, Yip is an outspoken advocate for disability inclusion, accessibility and equitable opportunities. A former nominated member of parliament, she has championed greater representation for persons with disabilities and co-founded an inclusive swimming school to nurture young swimmers of all abilities.

In 2026, her contributions to sport and society received further recognition. Singapore Management University conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Laws in July, making her its youngest honorary degree recipient. The University of Glasgow subsequently awarded her an honorary degree in October, recognising her sporting achievements and advocacy for inclusion.

With her sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, Yip continues to inspire a new generation of athletes while challenging perceptions of disability and achievement.