I realised that I cannot take things for granted...

Relishing challenges

As someone who doesn't believe in resting her feet, Elizabeth is constantly looking for opportunities to accumulate gain more experience and to improve her skills. Going into this year's competition, she wanted to improve on her performance last year and "be ahead by a wider margin so that what happened last year does not repeat itself".

Compared to last year's competition at Lake Garda, which does not have currents, the conditions for this year are tougher than before. On top of that, Elizabeth was also up against much more experienced sailors, including 46-year-old Sunfish World Champion and one of Bermuda's leading helmsmen Malcolm Smith. (Source: Singapore Sailing Federation)

Though she felt slightly pressurised initially, the sentiment passed as soon as she hit the waters. "Once you're out at sea, everyone is a sailor so everyone is equal." Elizabeth reckoned.

In spite of everything, Elizabeth believes that the greatest challenge in any competition is the battle within oneself. She feels that the real challenge is lies in pushing yourself to do better. She also quipped that one of the major challenges is "fighting with the guys to be in the prize-winning top 6!"

Reaching the top and staying there

It takes years of practice and immense determination to reach the top but staying there is another matter altogether. So how does Elizabeth plan to do so? "I will need to be more consistent throughout the competition and I've also learnt that I must never give up as there is always a chance to catch up." She she emphasised.

Among the things that will lead Elizabeth to her next win are probably her "good boat speed", "mental toughness" and the fact that she "does not give up easily", which she listed as contributing factors to her triumph. Apart from that, Elizabeth let on that she is also inspired to do better by learning from her mistakes and by the fact that she wants to beat the person in front of her".

Self-determination and vigilance is are crucial in races, but there is also one other thing that a sailor cannot ignore - teachings of the coach. Combined with the sailors' efforts, they will go a long way in helping them achieve their dreams. "Hike out harder and don't be lazy" was the advice which Elizabeth felt it really came handy during the competition.

World Champion, four years in the making

Accomplished young sailor that she is now, Elizabeth's journey with sailing started four years ago when she was still in Primary 5. Then a competitive swimmer in her primary school, she explained that swimming was growing just a tad stagnant for her. "Swimming training was getting rather boring and from a friend's recommendation, I decided to switch to St Hilda's Primary School where they have a strong sailing program. I decided to try sailing, liked it and as they say, the rest is history."

Just what was so appealing about sailing that in sailing appealed to Elizabeth so much as to encouraged her Elizabeth to pursue it wholeheartedly? "Sailing never gets boring because each time you go out on the water, the conditions are different. The only bad thing about it is when there is no wind. Then it becomes a waiting game." She she offered.

A capable athlete both in and out of the waters, Elizabeth has juggled her sport and studies expertly ever since she has plunged into sailing. The Nanyang Girls' High student is currently busy with her 'O' Levels Chinese exam preparations and her other subjects, on top of preparing for the Laser Radial.

Bidding farewell to the Byte she has been sailing for two years, Elizabeth felt that the Laser Radial is in time to bring new challenges for her.

The aspiring Olympian decided to turn to the Laser Radial also because it is the Olympic class dinghy for women and in turn provides more opportunities for her to compete internationally. She has already started sailing it in the Pesta Sukan Regatta in August.

An epitome of calm and steadfastness, Elizabeth's maturity is evident in her warm and steady gaze, unhalting manner of speech and the confident way in which she carries herself. This, is what world champions are made of. And we greatly anticipate her next success in both the local and international arenas.