15-Year-Old Swimmer Julia Yeo Wins SEA Games Gold, Sets National Record

The young athlete remains grounded despite her impressive achievements in the pool.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:41am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a swimmer's strokes and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant blues, greens, and whites, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.A young swimming prodigy's record-breaking performance is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the raw power and grace of her movements.Los Angeles Today

At just 15 years old, Julia Yeo is making waves in the swimming world. The Singaporean swimmer recently won gold at the SEA Games and broke the national record in the women's 200m backstroke. Despite her success, Julia remains humble and focused on the process rather than the outcome.

Why it matters

Julia's story is an inspiring one, showcasing the power of hard work, determination, and staying grounded in the face of success. As a young role model, she has the potential to inspire the next generation of swimmers in Singapore.

The details

Julia Yeo helped her team clinch gold in the women's 4x100m medley relay at the recent SEA Games, setting a new Games record of 4:05.79. Just days before the Games, she also broke the women's 200m backstroke national record, previously held by the renowned Tao Li. Despite these impressive achievements, Julia remains humble and focused, crediting her teammates and coach for her success.

  • Julia Yeo broke the women's 200m backstroke national record days before the 2026 SEA Games.
  • Julia Yeo and her team won gold in the women's 4x100m medley relay at the 2026 SEA Games.

The players

Julia Yeo

A 15-year-old Singaporean swimmer who recently won gold at the SEA Games and broke the national record in the women's 200m backstroke.

Jerome Teo

Julia Yeo's coach, who has helped instill confidence in the young swimmer and believes she has the potential to inspire the next generation.

Tao Li

A renowned Singaporean swimmer whose 200m backstroke national record was broken by Julia Yeo.

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What they’re saying

“The seniors encouraged me a lot. Without them, I don't think I could have performed so close to my personal best.”

— Julia Yeo, Swimmer

“I put the pressure on myself and tried to ease it off her.”

— Jerome Teo, Coach

“I didn't even know I'd broken the record until after the race. I'm so proud of myself. All my hard work paid off, and I never expected to surpass Tao Li's record.”

— Julia Yeo, Swimmer

What’s next

Julia Yeo will look to qualify for the Asian Games in Japan later this year and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, though her coach, Jerome Teo, wants her to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

The takeaway

Julia Yeo's story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and staying grounded in the face of success. As a young role model, she has the potential to inspire the next generation of swimmers in Singapore and beyond.