Singaporean stand-out swimmer, Tao Li, confirmed this week that she will not seek to compete at the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite already having obtained a FINA “B” qualifying time in the 100m butterfly, the 26-year-old intends to forego the Rio Games and instead focus her efforts on her business venture, the Tao Li Swimming Club. Tao is also still in school, currently in her final year of business management studies at UniSim.
The Tao Li Swimming Club resides at Temasek Club and officially opens this weekend, focusing on learn-to-swim programs for both children and adults, with elite and competitive athletes to be added in the coming months. Tao also plans on launching an exchange program with clubs in both the United States and Australia.
However, even while managing a business, school and her own training, Tao is making it clear that she is not outright retiring. The 26-year-old two-time Olympian is still planning on swimming at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), as well as the 2018 Asian Games.
But, the athlete will no doubt be missed in Rio, as she has a storied history participating in the world’s largest competitive sporting event. Having competed in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, Tao became the first Singaporean woman to make an Olympic final in swimming by placing 5th in the 100m butterfly event at the Beijing Games.
Says the multiple Singaporean National Record Holder, however, “To me, it’s not whether I meet the ‘A’ or ‘B’ mark, I want to be better than last time. My best at the Olympics is fifth, and if I can get a medal I will go. If not, then I won’t continue as it’s meaningless. Yes (there is sadness), but I went to two Olympic Games and that is quite enough for me. For the 2012 Olympics and Asian Games I put school aside to train … I have to study now and I have no time for competitions.”
Regarding the Tao Li Swimming Club specifically, Tao says, “I’m very excited as this is something I’ve always wanted to do. Making money is one thing, but mainly I want to contribute as I have so much knowledge that I want to pass on. I want to bring up the standard of swimming here.”
She has a point. I wouldn’t want to ever pass up a chance at even going to the olympics, but thats not really anyones decision to make for her. If she docent think she can medal and docent want to go that is her decision. She could save tons of money and if she is staying behind to help others i have some mad crazy respect for that.