Daphne Loo Transforms Stigma of Vitiligo into Powerlifting Triumph

Daphne Loo, a 42-year-old Singaporean, is redefining societal perceptions of vitiligo through her achievements in powerlifting. Once denied a haircut due to her skin condition, Loo is now a prominent advocate for self-acceptance and empowerment in the fitness community.

Loo’s journey began when she first noticed white patches on her skin in 2008. After consulting her sister, a doctor, she was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that results in loss of skin pigmentation. Despite the challenges, including stigma and discrimination, Loo found strength in powerlifting, a sport where she has excelled since 2014.

Reflecting on her experience at the hair salon six to seven years ago, Loo recalled the hairstylist’s insistence on wearing gloves and ultimately refusing to cut her hair. “You have a skin disease. I am not willing to cut your hair,” the stylist told her. This incident exemplified the prejudice Loo faced, which included stares and unsolicited advice from strangers.

The initial appearance of vitiligo affected Loo’s self-esteem. She struggled with body image issues, leading to extreme dieting that negatively impacted her health. Recognizing the need for a healthier approach, she began powerlifting, a decision that transformed her life. “It became addictive. I wanted to push my own limits,” she said.

Since her debut at the Singapore Powerlifting Open in 2014, where she won her first gold medal, Loo has amassed an impressive collection of medals, competing in numerous events across Singapore and internationally. In 2023, she achieved significant results at the Hygieia Masters Powerlifting Meet, winning first place in the Women Raw 69 Master 1 category. Her lifting records included a squat of 115kg, a bench press of 60kg, and a deadlift of 132.5kg.

Loo’s journey has also involved educating others about vitiligo. According to Professor Steven Thng Tien Guan, deputy director of the National Skin Centre (NSC), vitiligo is caused by the immune system attacking melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. In Asia, about seven in every 1,000 people are affected by this condition. Various treatments exist, including topical medications and phototherapy, which Loo initially pursued before discontinuing due to her demanding work schedule.

Though Loo has accepted her condition, she still finds the social stigma challenging. “It bothered me when people pointed it out and offered unsolicited advice,” she said. Even well-intentioned comments about dietary changes or skincare products can be frustrating, as there is no scientific basis for many of these suggestions.

In her role as a coach, Loo aims to inspire others to embrace their bodies and redefine their perception of beauty. “For a lot of women, the ideal beauty standard is being slim or skinny like a K-pop star,” she noted. “I want to help more women see that there are different ways to feel confident.”

In January 2023, Loo and her husband acquired Stoic Strength, a strength-training gym, where she now serves as the head coach. By sharing her experiences and advocating for body positivity, Loo hopes to create a supportive community for those feeling constrained by societal expectations.

“Many people find that their confidence increases when they know they are stronger,” she emphasized. “I want to help people get stronger and feel more confident.”

With a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, Loo now finds joy in her work and the life she has built. “This is the first year in a long time where I feel like there are a lot of things that I’m excited about. I don’t dread going to work. I am happy with the life I built,” she explained, reflecting her journey from self-acceptance to empowerment through strength training.