For Wayne Kah Wai Heng, swimming isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion that runs deep. It all started with a simple invitation from a neighbour to learn how to swim. Little did Wayne know, that moment would spark a lifelong love for the water. “I realised I really liked swimming,” Wayne recalls. “It made me set goals for myself, like competing.” This initial spark ignited a desire to push himself further, setting the stage for the dedicated swimmer he would become.

His journey took a major turn when he joined Glory Swim Academy, where he would transform from a casual swimmer into a fierce competitor. “I really need to thank Glory Swim Academy,” Wayne says. “It’s where I started serious training and competition. They have helped me improve so much.” This transformation wasn’t just about perfecting his strokes, but about learning the essence of discipline and determination. It was here that Wayne began to understand that swimming, for him, was more than just moving through water—it was about setting and achieving goals.

Wayne’s passion grew alongside his training. “I wanted to be faster and stronger,” he explains. “So, I trained more, did gym and core work, and focused on technique sessions.” His dedication to improving every aspect of his swimming kept pushing him forward, and soon, Wayne found himself not just swimming for fitness, but for something much greater.

Throughout his journey, one person played a pivotal role in shaping Wayne’s swimming career: his first coach, Lai Yan Ying. “She was my first coach, and as a breaststroker, she taught us to embrace the discipline with passion and focus,” Wayne shares with appreciation. “She put in a lot of effort for me, even picking me up from school to attend training.” The support from Lai was more than just technical—it was personal. She believed in Wayne’s potential, and this belief gave him the confidence to pursue swimming with heart.

But the road to success was not without its hurdles. Like any dedicated athlete, Wayne faced challenges that tested his resolve. “The biggest challenge I faced was figuring out how to become faster and stronger,” he reflects. “To overcome this, I trained harder, worked on my technique, and focused on strength building.” These challenges didn’t deter Wayne; instead, they fuelled his determination to keep swimming, keep pushing, and keep improving.

It was when Wayne stepped into the world of open water swimming that his journey took a new turn. While many swimmers focus solely on pool events, Wayne saw an opportunity to explore something different. “I decided to take on open water swimming because my company sponsored me for this competition,” he shares. “It was a chance to try something new during the off-season and expand my horizons.” And thus, a new chapter in his swimming journey began.

The open water posed new challenges: unpredictable waves, currents, and the mental toughness needed to thrive in such an environment. But Wayne embraced it with the same mindset that had carried him this far. “I just told myself, ‘I can do this,’ and reminded myself to stick to my technique,” he recalls. It wasn’t always easy. There were moments when the waves were rough, and conditions weren’t ideal. “There was one race with heavy rain and huge waves,” Wayne remembers. “It was tough, but I pushed through. Swimming in open water requires you to stay calm and focused.”

Wayne’s efforts paid off when he placed third in the 1000m men’s category at PD Open Water Swimming (PD OWS) 2025. “I felt very happy and grateful to my company for sponsoring me,” he says with a smile. “At first, I didn’t have high expectations because this was more of an off-season challenge for me. But when I made it to third place, it was a huge surprise.”

The competition at PD OWS was intense, especially with strong swimmers, including athletes from Singapore Sports School, lining up. But Wayne was undeterred. “At first, I felt some pressure,” he admits. “But I trusted my training and believed in myself.” It was this self-belief that propelled him to the podium.

As Wayne reflects on his journey, he understands that success isn’t just about placing first—it’s about personal growth and pushing past previous limits. “I don’t focus on what others are doing,” he says. “I always compare myself to my past performances. Did I do better than last time? That’s my goal.” This mindset has made all the difference, especially when it comes to his performance in the 20-29 age group, where he emerged as the champion.

Looking ahead, Wayne is considering stepping up his challenge by competing in longer distances like the 2000m. “Maybe I’ll try it,” he says with determination. “I will give it my best shot.” And in the long run, Wayne has bigger goals in mind. “I hope to do better and achieve more. My target is the SEA Games in two years, and I want to become a champion in open water swimming.”

For Wayne Kah Wai Heng, swimming isn’t just about the medals or the accolades—it’s about passion, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence in everything he does. Whether in the pool or in open water, Wayne will continue to swim with heart, inspiring others to dive into their own passions, face their challenges, and always keep pushing forward.