Paralympian Toh Wei Soong: Artist First, Swimmer Second

Toh Wei Soong, a distinguished **27-year-old Paralympian**, has made a name for himself in the world of competitive swimming, but he identifies primarily as an artist. With a remarkable track record, Toh has secured multiple medals at international events, including three gold medals at the **2023 Asian Para Games** in Hangzhou, China. He has also competed at the **Tokyo 2021** and **Paris 2024** Paralympic Games. Despite his accolades, Toh’s narrative extends beyond the confines of the pool, revealing a complex interplay of ambition, personal struggle, and artistic expression.

Finding Empowerment in the Water

Toh’s journey with swimming began at the age of six, following his diagnosis of transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that impacts his mobility. Introduced to swimming as a form of rehabilitation, he found solace and strength in the water. “For a kid who can’t play soccer, the pool became a place where I could stand toe to toe with my peers,” he explained. This newfound sense of equality was transformative, allowing him to participate in sports on his terms, thereby alleviating feelings of alienation.

His entry into the **Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)** swimming team at **14** was pivotal. It provided not just a platform to showcase his abilities but also a sense of belonging that he struggled to find in other areas of school life. “All those years of missing out on PE were no longer relevant,” he reflected on the recognition he received through swimming.

The Impact of High Expectations

Despite his success, the pressure to excel both academically and athletically took a toll on Toh’s mental health. A rigorous training schedule, which typically involved waking at **5 a.m.** for swim practice followed by a full day of classes and more training in the afternoon, left little room for balance. Toh candidly described his struggles with depression, admitting that his relentless drive often overshadowed his need for rest and recovery. “I suffered as a result of my own ambition for many years,” he said, acknowledging the personal cost of his pursuit of excellence.

Support from family and friends, along with creative outlets, helped him navigate these challenges. He learned that his ambition could be both a strength and a burden, a duality he continues to explore in his artistic endeavors.

Artistry Beyond Athletics

Toh’s identity as an artist is deeply rooted in his family history; his grandmother was a calligrapher, and his father a modernist architect. Despite his athletic commitments, Toh has pursued various artistic avenues, including writing, filmmaking, and design. He directed his first feature-length documentary, **The Lives of Farrer Park**, at **21**, capturing the sporting history of the area he had trained in since adolescence.

His literary pursuits are equally impressive. Toh has contributed to **ONZ**, a street fashion magazine, and **Ortus**, a multimedia journal featuring philosophical essays and short stories. He has also ventured into fiction, with a novella about a rat and a full-length novel in progress, driven by a desire to explore diverse contexts of self-expression.

Innovations in Adaptive Fashion

Recently, Toh has shifted his focus toward adaptive fashion, collaborating with the local inclusive brand **Werable** to co-design a stylish and accessible sling bag. He is also set to work with **Toyota** on an inclusive fashion showcase that challenges traditional perceptions of mobility. Toh emphasizes the importance of authenticity in design, insisting that inclusivity must go beyond mere representation to genuinely reflect the identities of individuals.

“The fashion industry can often prioritize difference over the person,” he noted, advocating for a model where the individual comes first. His latest project involves a partnership with **Pedro**, where he paints directly onto their clothing, merging his artistic vision with existing designs.

Charting His Own Course

As Toh prepares to launch his own fashion label, he reflects on the wisdom imparted by the late Singaporean designer **Laichan Goh**, who encouraged him to approach the industry with both enthusiasm and caution. Toh’s confidence in his identity as an artist has grown, enabling him to navigate the challenges of both swimming and creative expression with assurance.

Looking ahead, Toh remains open to future opportunities, including the potential for a third Paralympic appearance in **2028** in Los Angeles. He views this major sporting event not as an endpoint but as a milestone along his journey. “Whatever it is, I will make any decision based on what is true and right for me,” he asserted.

Toh Wei Soong’s story is a testament to resilience and creativity, illustrating that while he excels as a swimmer, his true passion lies in the artistic expressions that allow him to explore his identity beyond athletics. As he continues to carve out his own lane, he is determined that his legacy will reflect not just his sporting achievements but his enduring commitment to art.