SEA Games Triathlon Squad: Bryce Chong Wins SMU Aquathlon SwimRunSprint 2025, while Rachel Hew and Ben Khoo Achieve Podium Success in Mongolia
- SportPlus News
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
SEA Games Triathlon squad athletes celebrate achievements and inspire the next generation of athletes over the weekend
Sentosa, Singapore – 6 September 2025 — Singapore national triathlete and SEA Games medallist Bryce Chong clinched victory at the SMU Aquathlon SwimRunSprint 2025, held at Sentosa on Saturday.
Organised by the Singapore Management University (SMU) alumni and student team, the annual aquathlon brought together youths, junior athletes, and community participants for a day of competitive racing in the heart of Singapore’s island destination.
Chong, who last week was named in the Singapore Triathlon Association’s SEA Games squad, praised the event’s organisation and its role in nurturing the next generation of multisport athletes. Find out the full roster of 18 multi-sport athletes representing Singapore at this year's 33rd SEA Games in Thailand here.
“The event was exceptionally well-organised by the SMU team and alumni,” said Chong.
“The course was straightforward, with no shortage of safety personnel ensuring a secure race environment. Hydration points were well-placed, the route was clearly marked with signs, and SMU volunteers were stationed throughout to guide participants.”
He added that the SMU Aquathlon provides a rare opportunity in Singapore for juniors and youths to experience the aquathlon format.
“This race is a fantastic platform for youths and junior athletes to gain valuable experience in the aquathlon format, something we don’t see often in Singapore. Made even better by the affordable entry fees,” Chong shared.
For Chong, the race was both a training opportunity and a chance to give back to the community.
“It was not just a solid training race but also an opportunity to support a local university event. Most importantly, it was a chance to bond with the community and connect with the next generation of triathletes and aquathletes in Singapore.”
With his SEA Games selection and his win at Sentosa, Chong continues to embody the values of a community-focused athlete — competitive at the highest level while remaining dedicated to inspiring and mentoring future triathletes.
Podium Success at Altitude for Singapore Mult-Sport Athletes
Separately, other Singapore national multi-sport athletes also made headlines this past week at the Asia Tri Duathlon Cup Ulaanbaatar 2025 in Mongolia. Battling low temperatures, high altitude, and strong winds, Rachel Hew and Ben Khoo secured top finishes in the Elite categories.
Rachel Hew came in 1st for the Elite Women
Ben Khoo finished 2nd for the Elite Men
“First race at Altitude (1350m) during base phase and she nails it. Massive thanks to Level Up by TriFactor for supporting with the IHT/AHT sessions structured around our training program leading up to this and Darine Choo from HPSI for her additional insights after the recent round of testing,” Rachel Hew said in an instagram post.
Ben Khoo described the challenge of returning to international competition:
“Finishing in the money at an Asia-level race. Was over the moon to take 2nd place at the Ulaanbaatar Asia Duathlon Cup in Mongolia. It’s been two years since I ‘retired’ from international-level racing with TAS, so it felt like a real validation to take the second step. A good sign for preparations for the SEA Games in December.”
The race conditions were punishing for Singapore athletes: 4°C temperatures, 1400m altitude, and 40kph gusts, along with a field of elite runners, professional cyclists, and multiple Mongolia Triathlon Champions.
“I threw caution to the wind, and raced on instinct. The hunt was on. While I could hardly feel my hands or feet for the whole 90min, I hung on to the front pack, staying within striking distance. On the run, I saw the gap was closing fast, and I dug deep on the second lap to reel one of them back. Finishing 2nd, not bad for ‘un-retiring’ to short-course racing. This old body still got wheels,” Ben added.
The performances by Hew and Khoo, alongside Chong’s Sentosa victory, demonstrate Singapore’s growing strength in multi-sport disciplines and the community-focused spirit of its athletes.
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