24 Jan Road to Recovery: Yanee’s Comeback Journey to T100 Singapore
When tragedy strikes, some crumble, while others rise stronger. For Yanee, last year’s T100 Singapore race was supposed to be a celebration of hard work and dedication. Instead, it became the start of a challenging and transformative journey.
The Crash That Changed Everything
The incident was sudden and brutal. While riding down Nicoll Highway’s long straight path, Yanee was thrown off her bike after being hit from behind by a fellow athlete. The crash left her in shock, angry, and overwhelmed. The negligence of the other athlete, riding in TT position with his focus misplaced, compounded her frustration.
Her injuries were severe—disc tears in her neck, a rotator cuff tear, and a collarbone fracture. The doctor’s prognosis of a three-month rehabilitation period crushed her spirits. Yanee admitted, “I felt defeated,” as she grappled with the reality of her situation.
Commitment to Recovery
Despite the physical pain and emotional toll, Yanee never considered stepping away from racing. With two team relay races on the horizon, she resolved to recover in time, working closely with her orthopedic doctor and physiotherapist. “We came up with a treatment and rehab plan,” she said, driven by a strong sense of responsibility to her teammates.
Her recovery journey was grueling. Daily physiotherapy sessions, shockwave, and ultrasound treatments tested her patience and tolerance for pain. Even simple kicking drills during swim sessions became a mental and physical challenge. Yet, Yanee’s resilience shone through. She set clear objectives, detoxed from social media distractions, and leaned on a supportive network of friends, including her swim coach, Amos Tan, who never gave up on her despite her frustrations.
Overcoming Setbacks
The road was far from smooth. A test ride two months post-crash revealed lingering pain and limitations, forcing Yanee to adapt her approach. Reflecting on these moments, she said, “This episode taught me patience, LOTS of it. I learned to take my time and do things on my own terms.”
Through it all, Yanee leaned heavily on her inner circle. She credits Kang Kiat, Gus, and Diana for their unwavering support. “They saw me at my lowest lows and brought me up to my highest high now,” she shared with gratitude. Her family, especially her sister and parents, also played a pivotal role in her recovery. “Thank you for allowing me to come back to this sport. I promise you, safety first, always!” she assured them.
Her sponsors—On Singapore, Running Lab, Wyn Republic Racing, Red Dot Running Company, and PerformanceBikeFitter—stuck by her during her “slacking” year in 2024, a gesture she deeply appreciates.
Rediscovering Joy and Purpose
A turning point in Yanee’s recovery came when she rediscovered her love for running. “I started off as a fat, obese person. I explored running to lose weight and found my passion in it. This is what it’s all about—running freely,” she reflected. Gradually, she eased back into swimming and cycling, finding her groove with consistent swim squad sessions. A surprisingly good swim CSS test later, she felt her confidence returning.
The Comeback
For Yanee, T100 Singapore 2025 is more than just another race. It’s about finishing what she couldn’t last year and honoring her late family member, whose memory motivates her. Her training now emphasizes balance and communication, both with her coach and her partner, ensuring alignment of expectations and goals.
Her personal goal for the race is simple yet profound: to race happily, injury-free, and accident-free. “I want to run past that finishing line… haha,” she joked, her optimism and determination evident.
Her coach, Amos Tan, is especially excited for her return, providing yet another layer of motivation.
Lessons for the Sporting Community
Yanee’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community. Her advice to fellow athletes facing setbacks is heartfelt: “Slow down. Find your why. Lean on those you trust. Don’t rush into things.” She hopes her story inspires others to embrace challenges and foster a positive sporting environment.
Her message to the community is clear: support one another, embrace challenges, and focus on growth rather than outcomes. “It’s not just about winning or achieving a personal best. It’s about growing, learning, and giving your best that day.”
Looking Ahead
Yanee’s comeback is not just about completing a race—it’s about celebrating growth, resilience, and the joy of sport. Her story reminds us that the true essence of competition lies in the journey, the lessons learned, and the connections forged along the way.
As she prepares for T100 Singapore, Yanee carries with her the strength of her experiences and the unwavering support of those who stood by her. To the spectators and fellow athletes, she may be just an Age Grouper, but her journey is a powerful inspiration—a reminder that setbacks can lead to remarkable comebacks. Let’s do this!
