He's battling a 'once in a lifetime' illness but Mark Chay's mission to drive sport in Singapore goes on

SINGAPORE: When Mark Chay made his Olympic debut in 2000 at the age of 18, he made a statement by swimming the best time in Asia that year in the 200m freestyle.
 
“It was when I truly believed that I could make an impact on the Asian level,” the Singaporean recalled.

But even as a fresh-faced teenager then, he didn't get carried away by his results. In fact, he left the Games in Sydney older, wiser and armed with an even bigger purpose.
 
Having witnessed up close athletes from all over the world competing at their best, Mr Chay was inspired.
 
“That was when I had this switch between swimming for myself to actually having sports as a mission,” said the now 42-year-old.

“Being an athlete is not just having the opportunity to yourself but giving opportunities to other people.”
 
The same calling kept Mr Chay going over the past two decades, after he retired as an athlete and took on a multitude of roles in coaching, administration and management in the sports ecosystem. And it is what will keep him going through a devastating diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, a form of cancer.

It was reported on Wednesday (Jul 17) that due to his condition, he will not seek reelection as Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) president when his term comes to an end in August.

Mr Chay found out about his illness as early as in March, but decided against stepping down immediately. 
 
Asked in a one-on-one interview with CNA on Friday if he wished he had done so sooner, he said he didn't want to leave his commitments hanging.

These include organising the World Aquatics Championships to be held in Singapore next year.

“It is an extremely important event, not just for Singapore, but for the world of aquatics," he said.

"I strongly believe that I should