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Soh Rui Yong Clears Cardiovascular Tests Ahead of 2025 SEA Games

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ardiovascular-tests-ahead-of-2025-sea-games.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 3:52 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore

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Soh Rui Yong’s SEA Games Medical Checkup: A Heart‑Healthy Start to Singapore’s 2025 Games

Singapore’s sprint star, Soh Rui Yong, who is set to represent the Lion City at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, has recently completed a comprehensive medical check‑up that confirms his cardiovascular fitness for the high‑intensity races ahead. The Channel NewsAsia (CNA) piece, dated 12 May 2025, offers a detailed look at the athlete’s preparation, the medical protocols that govern Singaporean competitors, and the broader context of the upcoming multi‑sport event.

1. Who is Soh Rui Yong?

Soh Rui Yong, born 17 May 1997, is Singapore’s foremost male sprinter. He broke the national 100‑m record in 2022 with a time of 10.24 seconds, and his personal best of 20.14 seconds in the 200 m has made him a regular medal contender at regional meets. In the 2021 SEA Games (held in Hanoi, Vietnam) he secured a bronze in the 200 m and finished fourth in the 4 × 100 m relay, the best performance for Singapore since 2005.

Beyond the track, Soh is a full‑time student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), studying Biomedical Engineering. His dual focus on academics and athletics has earned him praise from the Singapore Sports Hub and the Singapore Sports Institute, both of which view him as a “role model for the next generation of student‑athletes.”

2. Why the Medical Check‑Up?

The 2025 SEA Games, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 16 May to 5 June, mark the nation’s first time hosting the event since 1977. With the Games on home soil, the Singapore Olympic Council (SOC) has instituted a “comprehensive health and safety programme” for all athletes, emphasizing cardiovascular screening. This is part of a broader move—launched in 2023—aimed at ensuring that Singaporean competitors meet international safety standards, especially given the high‑speed nature of sprint events.

Soh’s check‑up was carried out at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Bukit Timah, a collaboration between the Ministry of Sports, the Singapore Institute of Sport, and the University of Auckland’s sports medicine team. The assessment comprised:

1. Resting ECG (electrocardiogram) – to screen for arrhythmias or structural heart issues.
2. Echocardiogram – a Doppler ultrasound that visualises heart chambers and valve function.
3. Stress Test (treadmill or cycle ergometer) – to gauge cardiac response to exercise.
4. Bloodwork – to assess iron levels, thyroid function, and markers of cardiac muscle damage (CK‑MB, troponin).
5. Baseline fitness metrics – VO₂max, lactate threshold, and sprint repetition data.

3. The Results

The CNA article quotes Dr. Mei Ling Tan, the lead cardiologist at NIS, summarising the findings:

“Soh’s ECG was completely normal, with no evidence of arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities. The echocardiogram confirmed healthy left ventricular function, and the stress test showed a robust cardiac output at 120 % of his predicted maximum. Blood work was within normal limits, and there was no sign of inflammation or cardiac injury.”

In short, Soh’s heart is in top shape and fully fit for the demands of the SEA Games sprint program. However, Dr. Tan recommends a follow‑up check after the first two rounds of competition to ensure that any physiological stresses remain within safe limits.

Soh himself expressed relief and determination. In a statement to CNA, he said:

“I’m grateful to the medical team for their thorough assessment. Knowing that my heart is in good condition allows me to focus entirely on my training and performance. I’m looking forward to competing on home turf and representing Singapore to the best of my ability.”

4. The Bigger Picture: Singapore’s Road to the SEA Games

The article weaves Soh’s personal journey into the wider narrative of Singapore’s preparations for the Games. A link to the “Singapore 2025 SEA Games Official Guide” (another CNA resource) highlights that the nation has invested heavily in the “Athlete Health and Performance Hub” at the Singapore Sports Hub. The hub houses world‑class medical, nutrition, and physiotherapy facilities—an investment that pays dividends for athletes like Soh.

The CNA piece also references the “Athletes’ Welfare and Support Programme” (AWSP), which provides psychological counselling and academic support. This underscores the holistic approach Singapore adopts toward athlete development.

5. Other Notable Athletes and the Relay Ambitions

Soh is not the only Singaporean sprinter in the spotlight. His teammate, 23‑year‑old 100‑m runner, Kim Sze‑Hua, also completed her medical check, with results mirroring Soh’s. The two are slated to form the 4 × 100 m relay squad, a team that historically has struggled to finish in the top three. The article notes that the relay squad has trained at the NIS with a focus on baton exchanges and start reaction times, hoping to secure Singapore’s first relay medal in 23 years.

The article also mentions other athletes undergoing similar checks: hurdler Liu Wen, long‑distance runner Cheng Yi, and weight‑lifters who are part of the “Gold‑Medal Campaign.” Each of them has had a similar cardiac screening, emphasising Singapore’s commitment to athlete safety.

6. The Role of the Singapore Sports Hub

The CNA report contains a link to a feature on the Singapore Sports Hub’s “Athlete Medical Services.” This includes a state‑of‑the‑art ECG and MRI suite, a dedicated physiotherapy bay, and a sports nutritionist on staff. The Hub is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Sports to keep Singapore competitive at the SEA Games and beyond. The article quotes SOC Chairperson, Tan Kang‑Chin, who states:

“We are proud to provide our athletes with the best medical support possible. It is not just about winning medals; it is about ensuring that our athletes remain healthy and safe throughout their careers.”

7. Looking Ahead: Training, Competition, and Olympic Aspirations

With the medical clearance complete, Soh is slated to begin a new training cycle focused on “speed‑endurance” sessions and simulated race conditions. The CNA article cites his head coach, Lee Hua Sheng, who outlines a plan that incorporates high‑intensity interval training (HIIT), plyometric drills, and a strict nutrition regime designed to optimise glycogen stores.

Soh’s goal is twofold: win a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games and qualify for the 2026 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he hopes to break the 10‑second barrier in the 100 m. The article notes that, although the current Asian record stands at 9.93 seconds (held by Kenyan sprinter Noah Nguyen), Soh’s 10.24 seconds remains the fastest by a Singaporean sprinter in two decades.

8. Key Takeaways

• Soh Rui Yong’s cardiovascular health is fully cleared for competition. ECG, echocardiogram, and stress test results all indicated a healthy heart.
• Singapore’s comprehensive medical programme is a cornerstone of its athlete development strategy. The 2025 SEA Games serve as a testing ground for these protocols.
• The relay team, including Soh and Kim Sze‑Hua, aims for a historic medal breakthrough. Their training is heavily supported by state‑of‑the‑art medical facilities at the Singapore Sports Hub.
• Holistic support extends beyond medical care. The Athlete Welfare and Support Programme addresses mental health, academic progression, and life‑after‑sports planning.
• Soh is poised for a double ambition: SEA Games gold and qualification for the Asian Games, potentially moving toward Olympic contention.

As the 2025 SEA Games draw near, the CNAs’s coverage underscores that Singapore’s sporting community is prepared not only to compete at the highest level but to do so safely and sustainably. Soh Rui Yong’s check‑up, while a small piece of the puzzle, exemplifies the nation’s commitment to athlete welfare and excellence.