By: Dawn Tay

ONE holds the new national record. The other won the gold medal.

Yesterday saw Singapore's first one-two finish on the Asian Youth Games (AYG) podium, with swimmer Quah Ting Wen touching 0.25sec ahead of compatriot Amanda Lim in the girls' 50m freestyle for her second gold.

However, her winning time of 25.43 was not enough to beat Amanda's new national record of 25.38, set during last Saturday's semi-finals.

Even so, there was no sign of bitter rivalry between the two 16-year-olds, who have been swimming against each other since they were 10.

Indeed, the duo embraced immediately after the thrilling race, both beaming widely.

But did Ting Wen, the pre-race favourite, feel threatened by her pal's stellar qualification timing?

Said Ting Wen: "I was very happy for her. I don't really think of her as a threat because we're both swimming for Singapore."

In fact, just before the race, they were busy trying to calm each other down.

Said Amanda: "I was very stressed but Ting Wen kept reminding me (of our planned finish), 'one-two, one-two'."

National coach David Lim said that experience gave Ting Wen the edge at yesterday's race, even though Amanda's stroke-rate was faster.

He added: "It's going to be good for Singapore swimming. Both of them are pushing each other to better performances."

Indeed, the duo look set to repeat their one-two feat in today's 100m freestyle final.

With both the 50m and 200m free gold medals under her belt, Ting Wen is on course for three golds.

Unless Amanda has something to say about that.

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