The Silent Struggles of Second-Tier Athletes Facing Persistent Challenges Despite Dedication
In the world of sports, success is often measured by victory. However, not every athlete achieves this top-tier status, despite their intense dedication and talent. While figures like Joseph Schooling and Max Maeder are celebrated for their Olympic wins, countless athletes—like Liam, a swimmer, and Ryan, a fencer—find themselves constantly falling just short of the highest accolades.
These athletes, often referred to as “second-tier”, are skilled but unable to break through to the upper echelons of competition. They face an ongoing internal struggle, torn between their drive to reach the pinnacle and the reality that they remain just out of reach.
The Divide of Talent and Resources
Athletes like Liam and Ryan recognise the role talent plays in success, with genetics and other factors placing them slightly behind the world’s best. Despite their significant achievements in local competitions, they haven’t secured spots in prestigious international events, partly due to the financial limitations and lack of support. In Singapore, access to funding for training and competition is highly competitive, with only the most promising athletes eligible for financial backing.
This financial gap limits access to international competitions, where exposure is key. Without the resources to train abroad or access the high-quality equipment that the best athletes can afford, second-tier athletes face an uphill battle in competing at the highest levels.
The Cost of Success: A Heavy Burden
The financial burden on second-tier athletes is considerable. For swimmers, membership in top clubs with proper training programs comes at a hefty cost. Similarly, for fencers like Ryan, the price of equipment and travel expenses to gain international experience quickly adds up, leaving athletes with the difficult decision of continuing to invest in their careers despite uncertain returns.
The struggle is not just about competing but about the emotional toll of dedicating so much without tangible rewards. This pressure to succeed often turns into frustration and self-doubt. As Ryan notes, after putting in so much effort, the feeling of narrowly losing can be demoralising, with the risk of burnout a constant concern.
Sacrificing Personal Life for Sports
The pursuit of athletic excellence often comes at a personal cost. For athletes in the second-tier category, balancing the demands of sports with academics and social life can be incredibly challenging. In a society like Singapore, where academic success is highly prized, sports often have to take a backseat during critical exam periods. This sacrifice creates a sense of isolation and stress, with athletes like Liam questioning the purpose of their efforts if they can’t reach the success of a figure like Joseph Schooling.
The Impact of a Results-Driven Society
The utilitarian approach in Singapore, where sports are seen as a stepping stone to education rather than a passion, places additional pressure on second-tier athletes. Many parents view sports as a way for their children to gain educational advantages, leading to further strain for athletes who do not achieve top results. This focus on tangible outcomes can overshadow the hard work of athletes who are still in the middle tier.
Dr. Jay-Lee Nair, a psychologist from Mental Notes Singapore, explains that this results-driven mindset can lead to negative mental health outcomes for athletes who struggle to achieve the success expected of them. It creates a cycle where athletes, while dedicated, can feel unsupported if they don’t hit the mark.
A Call for Greater Inclusivity in Support
Despite the challenges, voices of second-tier athletes remain largely unheard. While Singapore celebrates its top performers, the efforts of those who fall just short must also be acknowledged. Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore, recognises that athletes receive significant support, but he also stresses that more needs to be done by the private sector to help athletes at all levels.
The current support system often prioritises elite athletes, but for a truly inclusive sporting culture, the contributions of second-tier athletes like Liam and Ryan must be recognised and valued. In the end, dedication and perseverance should be celebrated just as much as victory.
