By Teh Jen Lee

THE school hall was packed with students and teachers - all there to watch Singapore swimmer Yip Pin Xiu win the 50m backstroke gold at the Beijing Paralympics.

As the results were flashed on the large stage screen, there was a collective cry of joy. They marvelled at how one of their own had won Singapore's first gold in the Paralympics.

The video replay of the race was a special event to honour Pin Xiu, 16, on her first day back at Bendemeer Secondary School since the Paralympics.

About 80 students, mostly her classmates and friends, gave the Secondary Four student a boisterous welcome into the hall with Team Singapore flags and clappers.

With her was Paralympics sailor Jovin Tan, 22, who had graduated from Bendemeer in 2003.

Pin Xiu was touched.

She said: 'This is the first time they have had such a big assembly for me.'

She also received a glass sculpture by local grassroots leaders, a bouquet of flowers and a folio with media clippings.

Classmate Tan Liu Hwa, 16, who has known Pin Xiu for two years, said: 'I'm proud of her. I saw her on TV. It was very touching to see her win the gold.'

Mrs Lilian Phua, Pin Xiu's form teacher for two years - now retired - said: 'I congratulate Pin Xiu for her record-breaking feat. Every Bendemeerian, past and present, can now stand a little taller.'

She described Pin Xiu as 'plucky, persevering and positive' and urged every student to follow her example.

Classmate Angie Khong, 16, who has been friends with Pin Xiu for four years, said in her speech: 'Despite all her achievements, Pin Xiu remains humble and friendly. She is the only person I can talk to about anything and everything. At times when I feel like giving up, she's the one who keeps me motivated.'

Principal Goh Mee Mee spoke on what the students could learn from the disabled athletes, saying: 'Do not dwell on what you can't do. All of us are born with strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you can do and bring it to a level of excellence.'

In a short speech Paralympian Jovin Tan, 22, said: 'I was someone who was shy and very afraid, but the school gave me support in academics and sports, helping me to achieve my fullest potential. Everyone is special, so always believe in yourself.'

Pin Xiu, who was diagnosed at age 2 with muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes her body to degenerate, started swimming competitively four years ago.

Then, her front crawl was her best stroke, but today, she swims the backstroke because she can no longer kick and finds it hard to rotate her trunk.

She was one of two Singaporeans who won medals at the Paralympics. The other was rider Laurentia Tan, who won two bronze medals.

One factor that made Pin Xiu choose Bendemeer Secondary was that the school is wheelchair-friendly. It has had ramps and a lift since 1999, and classes with disabled students are given ground-floor classrooms.

Pin Xiu's father, Mr Yip Chee Khiong, 53, who sells oil refinery hardware, said the school has helped her excel by exempting her from classes for training and competitions.

'When she returns, they hold special classes to help her catch up,' he said.

Now, Pin Xiu's focus is on the O-level exams, coming up in a month.

Her achievements continue to touch others.

Sec 4 Bendemeer student Pavanjit Singh Sandhu, 17, who also uses a wheelchair, said: 'It inspires me to find my own strength or ability.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on 23 Sept, 2008.