That is the opening sentence. 1 week before my enlistment date 060210(Saturday), I receive a phone call from the Central Manpower Base that my enlistment date is pushed forward to 050210 due to administrative difficulties. That is, to a large extent, a great disappointment as I have to cancel a see-you-off-to-NS dinner with my family. Upon entering, I realized I'm not alone. Many others like me, who picked up the phone call for an interview on our opinions towards NS, have their enlistment pushed forward. As such, we were all pushed forward. At that point in time I really thought that that 1 day matters a lot and I'm kinda upset to pick up that phone call.

On 090410 was the date of National Inter-School Canoe Competition. I officially completed my BMT on 080410. And that is only possible because I enlisted one day earlier. Had I enlisted on my original date, I would have passed out on 090410 and I would have missed the competition for good and therefore, missed the last time to witness and support this rower that I have so promised to give my support for. By chance, by fate, by unconsciously picking up that phone call, I have secured the access to the most important day of this year, of perhaps the most important day in this decade. Thanks TV crews. if not for that phone call, I would not have live to witness it. What I have thought to be the wrong-est move, turned out to be the miracle in place for me. I cannot think of anyway else to express my gratitude other than penning down this feeling, and after-thought of mine. It's a twist of fate, and a blessing in disguise for me.


Thanks,
O1406

This blog post is used to dedicate the best day in more than a decade. I have never experience something greater than this before, not even the feeling of collecting A level results or any birthday that I have. I'm writting this as a memoir to the canoeing members that knows me. It would be best if it was read, but its okay if it wasn't.

Team TPJC did very well relative to my batch. Yup. Phenomenal. The guys K4 actually perfected the toughest technique in canoeing - to burst(high frequency, good catch and perfect co-ordination) leading the other boats by 2 boat length at least. I remember back in my days, our burst cannot even match the other JC's maintenance rowing. That was never intended in my training plan to train them. I can never imagine myself doing that ever again in my canoeing career.

The Woman K4 is another miracle to behold. Only 1 month being together and yet emerging as top 3 in the finals, through a final burst that manage to overcome 2 boat length and catch up with 2 boats. Impressive. Congratulations to those people who can get into semi finals too. In the past, it was thought that, anyone that can go into the semi-finals would be considered up to standard because most people would be ousted out of heats. But today, that is no longer true. Now, more people are able to squeeze into the semi-finals and more people into the finals. By benchmark, this is already considered the beginning of cultivating a champion match. This is significant because the champion batch is part of the master plan for the mission objective - to ensure that coach's efforts to come to fruitation. Therefore, the next phrase would be to ensure that the J1 receive proper and adequate training, in foundation building before they get paired up in team events. Never again will Team TPJC be looked down upon. All of you will look up high and be proud of where you come from. Every rowers worth their salt. We will be a factory of rowers of tomorrow, champions of tomorrow!

To Team KC, all of you have done well too. I express regret that I do not have the courage and walk up to help those that I don't know, because you all are mainly girls and I'm not comfortable with getting to a position with all girls. But I do hope those who needs help can approach me. Most of you look fierce on the water.

KC K4. Your victory at the bedok waters have gave me great hope and aspiration. If what I have taught u all have indeed work, then I would be confident to train the next batch of people. I do have my own fears that sometimes I teach you all the wrong things. After all, what I taught indeed contradict everyone else. Really, it contradicts everyone's. Haha. I'm glad you all won anyway. Thrash Temasek. For the win. !

KC Sec 1: When your time comes, I'll be there okay. I may not be there to build your foundation but, if the need arises, I would do everything in my power to change what needs to be. No fear on your part, you shouldn't fear.


Sometimes I do wonder, what it takes to be a good coach. Is a coach judged based on his ability to produce medals? I don't think so. Definitely not. Nonetheless, I'm readying myself to train the next batch of rowers. Today is really the best day. Paying a high price for guard duty has never been a regret. but I do miss all of you, especially those that rowed with me during my time. When all of you stepped down,I doubt that our roads will cross again. Nothing last forever, as long as we do the right thing for the day, life should be without regrets.

Onward Canoeing Master Plan 2010 !