Born in Singapore, a nation better known for academic excellence and skyscrapers than water sports, Joan Poh carved an extraordinary path through sheer grit, discipline, and heart. Raised in a working-class family, Joan’s early life was marked by the values of resilience and service. These would later define both her career and character. She wasn’t born into elite sports programs or athletic privilege, but through determination and late nights of training after full-time shifts, she became one of Singapore’s most inspiring athletes.
Joan’s introduction to rowing came relatively late compared to most elite athletes. She discovered the sport as a teenager while studying at Nanyang Polytechnic, drawn in by the discipline, teamwork, and physical challenge it demanded. What began as a recreational activity quickly became a passion. Despite having no background in competitive rowing, Joan pushed herself harder than most, often juggling part-time jobs and studies with intense training schedules. Her formative years on the water taught her the value of endurance, both physical and emotional.
A major turning point came when Joan represented Singapore in regional competitions, gradually building her reputation as a formidable force in rowing. But it was her qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic, that became her defining moment. Competing in the women’s single sculls event, Joan became only the second Singaporean rower in history to qualify for the Olympics. It was a dream realized not just for herself, but for many aspiring athletes in Singapore who saw her as proof that anything is possible with commitment.
What made Joan’s journey even more remarkable was that she qualified for the Olympics while serving as a frontline nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a staff nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, she worked long hours in the isolation wards, treating patients and dealing with the realities of a global health crisis, all while maintaining her training regimen. This dual role as both athlete and healthcare worker captured the attention and admiration of people around the world.
But Joan’s path was never smooth. She battled financial uncertainty, physical exhaustion, and the mental strain of balancing a career in healthcare with elite-level training. She trained without the luxury of full-time athletic support, relying instead on an unshakable will and the strength of her purpose. Yet these challenges never deterred her; they fueled her.
Today, Joan Poh stands as a symbol of what it means to pursue excellence with heart. She has redefined the image of the modern athlete, not just as a competitor, but as a servant-leader, a role model, and a resilient spirit who shows up no matter how rough the waters. Her legacy is far greater than her race times or medals. It lies in the way she inspires young Singaporeans to chase their dreams, even when the current is strong and the path uncertain.
Joan’s story is not just about sports. It is about perseverance, purpose, and passion. She reminds us that greatness is not always found in grand victories, but in the quiet, relentless pursuit of something bigger than oneself.