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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Iris Tio Casas makes history for Spain with artistic swimming solo free gold at World C'ships
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Iris Tio Casas won Spain's first women's solo title at the world championships with her victory in the solo free event on July 22. SINGAPORE – This time in 2024, Iris Tio Casas was moved to tears as she watched Celine Dion perform Hymne A L'Amour during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on television. On July 22, the Spanish artistic swimmer was again stirred by the same melody at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH). Accompanied by the haunting Edith Piaf tune, Tio put on a virtuoso display in the women's solo free event at the WCH Arena, before shedding tears of joy when her triumph was confirmed. The 22-year-old scored 245.1913 points to come from behind to beat top qualifier China's Xu Huiyan (241.0025) for the gold. Belarusian Vasilina Khandoshka (239.5437), who was designated as a neutral athlete, rounded off the podium. And for the first time, Tio, who had earned bronze medals in the solo technical and team free events, is a solo world champion. 'It means a lot because it's my first gold medal in solo at the world championships and also my first medal in solo free, so I'm super happy, I can't believe it right now,' said Tio, who added the title to the team bronze from the Paris Games and the team technical gold at the 2023 Fukuoka championships. 'I feel very emotional because my parents are in the stands, it's a dream come true.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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She then had to endure a tense wait to find out if her effort was enough, with Khandoshka and Xu performing after her. Spanish champion Iris Tio Casas (centre) with China's silver medallist Xu Huiyan (far left) and Belarusian Vasilina Khandoshka at the World Aquatics Championships Arena. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Tio said: 'She (Xu) improved the difficulty and Khandoshka also had good difficulty, so I tried to improve, to put more between the preliminary and final, and it worked out. 'I was hoping that because I give my everything in the water that it would pay off and have a reward.' Her victory also made history for Spain, as it was the country's first women's solo title at the world championships. Tio again choked up when the Spanish national anthem was played during the victory ceremony, but the tears were wiped clean moments afterwards as her teammates embraced her and sang 'campeones, campeones, ole, ole, ole' in the mixed zone. In a country where football reigns supreme, Spain's artistic swimmers are proving they can compete on the world stage as well. Winning a solo world title had been a lifelong goal for Tio, a dream she said became possible thanks to the pioneers of the sport in Spain, including former world champions and Olympic medallists Gemma Mengual, Andrea Fuentes and Ona Carbonell. Fuentes, who returned to Spain after guiding the United States to a historic team silver at the Paris Games, is leading her country's artistic swimming campaign at these world championships. On the growth of the sport in Spain, Tio said: 'We have really good coaches. The federation is putting in a lot of effort to make artistic swimming important in Spain. We are improving a lot. 'We always have the strength that is artistic impression, which Andrea Fuentes has been promoting a lot for us. It's because of the work of the coaches and the federation that artistic swimming is growing in Spain.' It was a day to remember for Tio, who returned to the podium later after helping Spain bag the bronze in the team technical event with 294.8575 points. Defending champions China took gold (307.8001), while the Russians, competing as neutral athletes, clinched silver with 300.6183. China's artistic swimmers took gold in the team technical event on July 22. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO China coach Zhang Xiaohuan described the day as a special one for the team, especially as they faced off against powerhouses Russia, who returned to the world meet as neutrals after missing out on the past three editions. Russia had not competed in the world meet since 2022, due to sanctions on their athletes, along with those from Belarus, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The team also did not participate in the Paris Olympics. Despite their absence from international competition in recent years, Zhang said their rivals remain a formidable force. She said: 'They have a deep foundation in artistic swimming, and even with such a young line-up, with many born in 2007 or 2008, they're still able to perform at such a high level. They give us a lot to think about for the future. We only just barely edged ahead in this competition... 'For us, we must keep working diligently and humbly. We must always see ourselves as challengers, not champions. China doesn't yet have the over 20 years of dominance Russia has had, so we must keep improving.'
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Spain's Iris Tio Casas, Lilou Lluis Valette win historic duet free title at World Aquatics C'ships
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE – Standing in front of the media at the mixed zone with their gold medals gleaming around their necks, Iris Tio Casas and Lilou Lluis Valette were beaming, yet at a loss for words as the scale of their achievement had yet to sink in. Moments earlier on July 24, the Spanish artistic swimmers had made history by clinching their country's first duet gold at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) after claiming the women's duet free title. Their score of 282.6087 at the WCH Arena secured the top spot ahead of Italy's Enrica Piccoli and Lucrezia Ruggiero (278.7137) and Russians Mayya Doroshko and Tatiana Gayday (277.1117), who are competing as neutral athletes. What made the triumph even more remarkable was the fact that Tio and Lluis began partnering only in 2025. Despite their short time together, the duo had already claimed silver at the European championships in June and now, a world title. Tio said: 'We didn't expect it because it's our first year, but we have really good chemistry and we enjoy doing this duet a lot.' They had come into the meet without any medal targets and for 18-year-old Lluis, who also claimed the team technical bronze in Singapore, the goal was simple. She said: 'We just wanted to enjoy ourselves and do our best.' Their best was certainly enough as Tio had also made history for Spain two days earlier with her solo free triumph. The 22-year-old also bagged bronzes in the solo technical, team technical and team free events in Singapore. She said: 'I have no words, it's super special. I don't know. 'I had a super good feeling before swimming the duet. 'I'm super happy because we worked a lot this season and it's getting the results.' With the win, Spain are now third overall in the artistic swimming medal table, with two golds, two silvers and three bronzes, behind China (3-3-0) and neutral athletes from Russia (3-1-2). Both Tio and Lluis, who were also part of the team who clinched bronze at the Paris Olympics, credited much of their success to national coach Andrea Fuentes, a former world and Olympic medallist who returned to her native Spain after leading the United States to team silver at the same Games. Tio, who once looked up to Fuentes as a role model, is now happy to call her a mentor. She said: 'She's brought a lot of positivity and confidence in us and also creating super good choreography that we feel comfortable swimming and is very artistic. 'We find (her routines have) really good balance between artistic and difficulty. She's the best coach ever.' Meanwhile, Singapore wrapped up their artistic swimming campaign with a 22nd-place finish among 25 in the team acrobatic event, scoring 137.0708 points in the preliminary round. China led the qualifiers with 225.7993, followed by Spain (224.2870) and Italy (215.7280). While the Republic did not advance to the final in any of the six events they contested, there were bright spots. Duet pair Debbie Soh and Yvette Chong recorded personal bests in both the women's duet free (222.6152) and technical (243.6826) routines. They narrowly missed qualifying for the 12-team final in the duet free, finishing 14th overall. Rachel Thean also achieved a personal best of 201.2638 in the women's solo free, where she placed 16th. The experience was a valuable one, as the team gear up for the SEA Games in Thailand this December. 'It was especially good because when we train with the better teams, we can watch them underwater and pick up techniques that maybe weren't taught to us before,' said Soh. 'We can then use those techniques in our own training.' For Thean, the exposure to world-class competition was an eye-opening opportunity. She said: 'It's important to see how other teams prepare for competition. 'The three music practice days before the event are where you really see the action. You can observe their warmup routines, strength and conditioning and how they get into the zone. 'Even during the competition, you learn about their pre-competition rituals, how they bring everyone into the right mindset and how they manage to reset themselves if they've had a bad result.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
HONOURING 30 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MALAYSIANS
Celebration honours records from Everest to the thickest egg tart, with hopes of inspiring future generations THE Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a black-tie gala that recognised 91 national record holders across sports, business and media as well as arts, science and social impact. Held at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, the evening brought together more than 800 distinguished guests in a celebration of Malaysians who had dared to dream big and succeeded. The black-tie event was attended by achievers past and present, including Olympic medallists, pioneering entrepreneurs, Paralympians, influencers and sustainability advocates. The recipients honoured at MBR's 30th anniversary record-breaking gala showcased the breadth of Malaysian talent and ambition, with records spanning human achievements, sports, education, business, arts and entertainment, community engagement and technology. The awards recognised both individual milestones such as youngest or first achievements, as well as organisational accomplishments, including sales performance, community engagement, longest non-stop live streams and entrepreneurship. The MBR also spotlighted business and entrepreneurial organisations that have supported local brands and record-setting ventures, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, SME Association of Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Pertubuhan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM). PUMM president Datuk Teh Tai Yong credited the MBR for helping PUMM members boost their brand presence and inspiring them to aim higher and build greater trust, both at home and abroad. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the MBR gala, commended the organisation for evolving in tandem with the nation's aspirations over the past 30 years. Legacy of 'Malaysia Boleh' MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio traced the organisation's roots and its evolution over the decades. 'Malaysia Book of Records started in 1995 during the Malaysia Boleh era, when we needed a record book to register all the Malaysia Boleh record attempts,' he said in his keynote address. That vision to document, verify and celebrate Malaysian excellence over the past 30 years, Tio said, has resulted in 'over 8,800 records and 17 published editions of record books.' 'That's our journey so far, but we've now moved on beyond human achievements to include business and community impact. 'We also want to help NGOs, politicians and communities gain wider recognition for their efforts,' he said. Inspiring a new generation In his speech, Tio recounted how the MBR TV series that first aired on RTM in 1996 ran for 250 episodes and helped foster a 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit among a generation of young Malaysians. 'Those kids who watched in the '90s and 2000s? They're now the ones breaking records.' To reignite another wave of the same momentum, MBR will soon launch a new series in collaboration with Bernama TV. Titled 'Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa', the 13-episode programme is scheduled to begin airing on Bernama TV from Aug 26. 'I feel it is important for us to continue that kind of storytelling, 'That's why we're starting the new series around the time of our National Day on Astro 502.' A platform for all Malaysians Tio added that MBR would continue to expand its efforts to reach every corner of the country. More than achievements, Tio said, the idea of pushing MBR far and wide is to cultivate national unity. 'During the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, there are plenty of national records happening all over Malaysia and they should be recorded,' he said. 'It's not just about displaying the achievement –we want it to be recognised, talked about and remembered.' 'I want to see national unity and I want to see all races working together to achieve a record.' Giving back to athletes Tio also announced a new charitable foundation to help athletes who lack funding for their record-breaking efforts. 'We feel that many athletes are working hard to break records and go international, but they suffer from insufficient funds. 'Therefore, we decided to establish Yayasan MBR to support our athletes and community projects.' He cited Soh Wai Ching, a world tower-running champion and world record holder, as an example of the type of athlete the foundation aims to support. 'He didn't get any funding from our government, despite being a world record holder. That's why we're stepping in.' Tio also announced that former Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had agreed to become the patron of the foundation. Helping businesses recover In the business world, MBR also helped SMEs to stand out in a competitive post-pandemic landscape. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of businesses suffered. Post-pandemic, many tried to reactivate but found it difficult. 'So, we reached out to the SME community and activated the Malaysia Book of Records for SMEs to help them with branding and exposure,' said Tio. Among the earliest and most successful participants was Oriental Kopi, recognised for producing the thickest egg tart and selling the most number of egg tarts. 'It was a brilliant idea and niche selling point. From that point on, we've had a lot of applications.' From Everest to Empire State The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation to 91 individuals and organisations who had earned their place in the record books. Among them was Datuk M. Magendran, Malaysia's first man to summit Mount Everest. 'Standing on the summit of Mount Everest, with the national flag in my hands, was a moment of immense pride,' he said. 'The core motivation was always 'Malaysia Boleh' – the belief that Malaysians can achieve greatness, even in a hostile environment.' Also honoured was Soh, who is also the first Asian triple-champion of the Empire State Building Run-Up. 'My goal is not just to win, but to make a statement,' said Soh. 'Even if it's not our building, we can be proud that a Malaysian is the fastest.' Spotlight on innovation and inclusivity Other notable record recipients included: > Datuk Rosyam Nor – Actor-turned-entrepreneur who launched Malaysia's first 24-hour upscale wholesale mart – ST Rosyam Mart – during the pandemic. > Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal (15) – Youngest female Malaysian to earn a podium finish in a sanctioned touring car championship. > Norhasmat Abdul Aziz – Double gold medallist at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. > Minbappe (Ahmad Muhaimin) – Malaysia's first FIFAe World Cup Mobile Champion. > Goh Liu Ying – The first Malaysian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. > Mohd Sukur Ibrahim – Known as Malaysia's shortest man, who continues to inspire through motivational talks and community work. Media organisations recognised Several media organisations were recognised for their continued support of MBR over the years such as Bernama, Star Media Group, Media Prima Group and Media Chinese International Limited Group as well as digital platforms media like MalaysiaKini, MalaysiaGazette, The Scoop Online, Good Foodie Media, TV Sarawak and more. Gala entertainment and celebration Guests were treated to a series of live performances including Martin Looi, who holds the record for the highest-altitude violin live stream. Mark Yong and Pinky Loo, who are record holders for the fastest costume changes, delivered a high-energy performance featuring 14 wardrobe switches in under one minute. Guests also had the chance to walk through displays of past record editions and themed photo booths.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Weekly TV series spotlights extraordinary M'sian feats
(From left) Christopher, Malaysian tower runner Soh Wai Ching, Tio, Chun Wai and ST Rosyam Mart directors Datuk Rosyam Nor and Datuk Raymond Ho at the launch of the MBR television series. — Bernama A NEW television series is set to shine a light on the extraordinary achievements made by Malaysians. The series, called Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa, is a collaboration between Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) and Bernama TV. Set to air weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30pm beginning in August, the 13-episode series aims to showcase the record-breaking stories of individuals and organisations across the country. MBR chief executive officer Christopher Wong said the programme would feature 30 to 40 achievements per episode, covering categories of personal feats and community-driven efforts as well as corporate innovations and social impact initiatives. 'These are stories of ambition, compassion and determination that can emerge from any corner of Malaysia,' he said at the launch of the TV series in Kuala Lumpur, which coincided with MBR's 30th anniversary. The launch was attended by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio, both of whom expressed support for the series' positive framing of local achievements. 'Social media algorithms often amplify division and outrage,' Chun Wai was quoted as saying in a Bernama report. 'This series is a deliberate step in the other direction – spotlighting unity, optimism and progress. 'This series is dedicated to all Malaysians as a reminder that greatness lies within reach when passion meets purpose,' he added. Tio noted that the original Malaysia Book of Records series was first aired nearly 30 years ago on RTM, and that the legacy has continued to inspire Malaysians across generations. He said the initiative aimed to inspire the younger generation to carry on the legacy of achievement and innovation in the years to come. 'We encourage more to step forward and showcase their potential to be extraordinary Malaysians and be part of 'Malaysia Luar Biasa',' Tio added. Since its inception in 1995, MBR has certified close to 8,000 records.
The Review Geek
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Good Boy – K-drama Episode 8 Recap & Review
The Aimless Bullet Episode 8 of Good Boy begins with Han-na narrating how some days feel like a stray bullet. That stray bullet has well and truly pierced Han-na's heart though, as she and Dong-ju wind up kissing, which obviously is where the last episode closed out. Han-na lets Dong-ju stay the night but he winds up sleeping in while she heads out to work. Han-na has a big day ahead of her, given it's the community day with the police at the Insung Metropolitan Police Agency. The whole team are there, doing what they can to entertain the kids. The commissioner is still pissed though, but he's doing a little better thanks to Dong-ju giving him a massage. As a result he gets a 30 day suspension. In that time though, the team decide to take this one step at a time, rather than going right for the big players. Tio begin with, they're going to focus on the drugs and the supply route of materials seized from Bbong-pil. However, Yeon-ha and the others are starting to grow impatient with Ju-young. The ships leave in a week and they need their gear out on the streets but right now, there's a transport delay. Ju-young is arrogant and claims he likes seeing Dong-ju and the others squirm, but his cockiness could be his undoing. As he heads to Insung Port to oversee the ephedrine, the team figure out its location too. Now, Man-sik has been itching like crazy and they also figure out that he's been bitten by red fire ants. These ants were found at the port last year too. The ants came in with the cargo that passed through Russia, which is the same route the Ephedrine came in. Given the risk, they call in an extermination team to do a quarantine sweep. The team show up dressed as quarantine workers, but they're not alone. Yeon-ha is here too and the group quickly handcuff her. She tries to wind up Jong-hyeon and even begins seizing on the ground too. Yeon-ha manages to get away, while the group find the ephedrine in her absence. Unfortunately, Jong-hyeon winds up bitten but he's allergic to the bites. Jong-hyeon is crazed and begs them not to inject him (given he's scared of needles) so Dong-ju knocks him out and they inject him all the same, in a rather humorous turn of events. The team show up back at HQ with the drugs and get a celebratory meal out of it, but there's no after-party for Dong-ju. Jong-hyeon lets Dong-ju stay in his spare room, with boxes piled high. As he looks through the boxes though, Dong-ju finds old newspaper clippings of Jong-hyeon's career and how it ended thanks to an eye injury during fencing. The stick went right through his face and into his eye, which happens to be the same side that Dong-ju punched him on. Ju-young is pissed when he finds out what's gone down, and the group look to him for inspiration over what to do next. He decides to try and get it back, intercepting the drugs en-route to the secured facility. Meanwhile, we find out that Lee Gwang-se isn't actually dead. The hair transplant guy is still alive, given the shot missed him. Leo received a call from his mama at the time and promised her he wouldn't go against her wishes. Ju-young though is not so righteous as he tasks Gwang-se to tell the team exactly what's been said at this meeting. He does as instructed, and the team are now convinced that Min has a mole inside the agency so they need to figure out who that is. Unfortunately, Ju-young is playing 4D chess here. The Commissioner gave the order to pull the riot police away to city hall to quell a protest, leaving the transport severely under protected. With only a light team to protect it, the transport heads through Jungdong Tunnel, and is prompted ambushed. The group come under attack, one after another, and they all find themselves forced to fight. Jae-hong's car is flipped upside down, while the others all have their own battles to contend with. Although Dong-ju manages to come out on top VS a whole gang of motorcyclists, the fate for everybody else is still unclear, leaving everything on an agonizing cliffhanger. The Episode Review The fight at the end of Good Boy is easily one of the best moments of the whole K-drama. Seeing the team each fighting their own battles, with slightly different weapons or styles, works so well to show their own growth and how these misfits have come together. That is a brutal cliffhanger to end this week's double-bill of episodes on though and after yesterday's rather slow chapter, this one absolutely floors it with a pulsating episode of comedy shenanigans, plot progression and action. Seeing more context around Jong-hyeon's past is a nice touch too, while Ju-young's plan appears as if it's going to come off without a hitch… but things are a bit different this time. Not only has Dong-ju managed to come out of his fight on top, he looks ready to jump in and help the others too. However, I'm not sure if everybody will make it through to the other side. Maybe it's a bit of a wild prediction here but the show feels like it needs one of the team members to be killed off to really ratchet up the tension to the highest level possible. Whether the writers actually would go this far or not though, is debatable. However, even without that, Good Boy has been a super enjoyable watch and that ending makes next week's double-bill a must-watch. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
