Commentary: At the SEA Games, Singapore’s athletes have shown sportsmanship, grit and character

PHNOM PENH: Sometimes, the smallest actions speak volumes. In the case of Singaporean fencer Kiria Tikanah, it was the act of applying cold spray to teammate Elle Koh's knee.

When Elle looked to have picked up a slight injury with the scores tied at 11-11 in their semi-finals clash, her teammate helped her out.

Elle eventually took the game 12-11, and went on to win the gold medal for Singapore. Kiria clinched a joint-bronze.

"I wouldn't say that because of those couple of sprays that she won. Before we are opponents, we are teammates first," said Kiria. "Just because it is an individual sport, doesn't mean that you don't have your team behind you."

In the case of Singaporean runner Soh Rui Yong, it was the act of passing on a cup of water to his race rival Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon.

Soh, who kept close quarters with Marthin for much of the event, shared his drink with the Indonesian after the race leader missed his cup at the water point.

Soh finished in 31:10.70, behind Marthin (31:08.85) to take a silver and clock a new national record.

"It was all instinctive but upon reflection I just innately always want to win in a fair fight, so when he missed his bottle, I wanted to provide him a chance to rehydrate before continuing the battle," Soh told CNA.

Both actions cost the athletes nothing, but meant something to those watching on.

This was the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where there was no shortage of inspiration from our athletes as competition came head-to-head with sportsmanship and grit.

Team Singapore concluded their 18-day Games campaign with 51 gold, 43 silver and 64 bronze medals. Eight Games records were set, along with 17 national records and 40 personal best milestones.

On the overall medal table, Singapore