CRAFT YOUR DREAMS
Singaporean high-jumper Michelle Sng lets us in on her training routine and talks about how her journey as an athlete echoes the values of the Corum Admiral AC-One 45 Skeleton
The Corum Admiral is defined by a zest for adventure. Equal parts sporty and chic, this watch has been crafted in countless iterations from the athletic to the elegant.
But no Corum Admiral will be considered complete without a dodecagonal bezel and 12 nautical pennants. After all, it was born with deep ties to the maritime world.
Today, this iconic timepiece can be found on the wrists of modern admirals commandeering the ship of life, forging ahead with their wits, strength and a heady dose of spontaneity. It's a watch for those in full control, and who's always game for more.
We especially love the bold lemon yellow Admiral AC-One Skeleton worn by Michelle Sng because it's one of the most vibrant renditions of this 54-year-old watch to date.
We also love how perfectly the skeletonised dial and sculpted titanium case embodies her bright personality and lithe physique.
Through the open-worked dial, all of the watch's finely finished components work together to form a whole. It is the classic Corum CO 082 automatic calibre which is constantly on the go, and powered by every swing of the wrist.
The Admiral AC-One Skeleton is perfectly suited for Sng's active lifestyle, game for morning training and poised for a busy day around town. With a SEA Games gold medal already under her belt, the inspirational sportswoman continues to aim higher and higher.
But no Corum Admiral will be considered complete without a dodecagonal bezel and 12 nautical pennants. After all, it was born with deep ties to the maritime world.
Today, this iconic timepiece can be found on the wrists of modern admirals commandeering the ship of life, forging ahead with their wits, strength and a heady dose of spontaneity. It's a watch for those in full control, and who's always game for more.
We especially love the bold lemon yellow Admiral AC-One Skeleton worn by Michelle Sng because it's one of the most vibrant renditions of this 54-year-old watch to date.
We also love how perfectly the skeletonised dial and sculpted titanium case embodies her bright personality and lithe physique.
Through the open-worked dial, all of the watch's finely finished components work together to form a whole. It is the classic Corum CO 082 automatic calibre which is constantly on the go, and powered by every swing of the wrist.
The Admiral AC-One Skeleton is perfectly suited for Sng's active lifestyle, game for morning training and poised for a busy day around town. With a SEA Games gold medal already under her belt, the inspirational sportswoman continues to aim higher and higher.
You got into high jumping quite incidentally. Can you recall that fateful day and how you felt after accomplishing your first successful high jump?
I remember doing my research on the internet on how to do high jump because nobody from my class had wanted to represent the class at the sports day meet, and I had volunteered to fill the spot. There were no videos then so I relied on drawings of stick figures. At my first sports day meet, I equalled the school record of 1.51m and I was really happy about it. I knew I could jump higher so I was looking forward to jumping again.
Was it a dream of yours to become an athlete?
As a rhythmic gymnast in my younger years, I remember watching my seniors at major competitions and thinking – I'll get there one day! It didn't happen for Gymnastics but I guess I found a different path to the same destination anyway.
How supportive was your family when you decided to be an athlete? What would you otherwise be doing?
My mother has always been supportive, not only in my pursuit for sporting excellence, but also in all aspects of my life. Since I was a child, she has always given me the autonomy to make my own decisions (and learn to live with them) because she believes that it is my own life to lead. I even got to choose my own primary school after she had taken me to a couple of open houses. I am extremely grateful for her love and support though the years.
What do you love best about this sport?
It's a love-hate relationship, really. I love that it's always a work in progress – that there's always something to improve on so that I can jump even higher. But the disappointments which come with that expectation also hits me pretty hard.
What's your training routine like?
I train five to six sessions a week doing a combination of track, strength, and technical work depending on the season. I also try to put in some yoga sessions
I remember doing my research on the internet on how to do high jump because nobody from my class had wanted to represent the class at the sports day meet, and I had volunteered to fill the spot. There were no videos then so I relied on drawings of stick figures. At my first sports day meet, I equalled the school record of 1.51m and I was really happy about it. I knew I could jump higher so I was looking forward to jumping again.
Was it a dream of yours to become an athlete?
As a rhythmic gymnast in my younger years, I remember watching my seniors at major competitions and thinking – I'll get there one day! It didn't happen for Gymnastics but I guess I found a different path to the same destination anyway.
How supportive was your family when you decided to be an athlete? What would you otherwise be doing?
My mother has always been supportive, not only in my pursuit for sporting excellence, but also in all aspects of my life. Since I was a child, she has always given me the autonomy to make my own decisions (and learn to live with them) because she believes that it is my own life to lead. I even got to choose my own primary school after she had taken me to a couple of open houses. I am extremely grateful for her love and support though the years.
What do you love best about this sport?
It's a love-hate relationship, really. I love that it's always a work in progress – that there's always something to improve on so that I can jump even higher. But the disappointments which come with that expectation also hits me pretty hard.
What's your training routine like?
I train five to six sessions a week doing a combination of track, strength, and technical work depending on the season. I also try to put in some yoga sessions
What were you like as a child?
I was extremely competitive and self-motivated. I've always held myself to very high standards in everything I choose to do, be it in dance or gymnastics or netball.
I was extremely competitive and self-motivated. I've always held myself to very high standards in everything I choose to do, be it in dance or gymnastics or netball.
"When you're on top of the world, remember to stay humble. And when you hit a low, stay hopeful – the tides will turn."
Corum Admiral AC-One 45 Squelette
How did you manage to overcome the adversities you've encountered, such as injury, balancing work/studies and training, pressure from other aspects of like e.g. starting a family…?
It's important to have a strong support system. I've been very fortunate to have amazing training partners and coaches who have pulled me out of dark places multiple times to get me back on my feet again. My employer understands that I have training and competition commitments, and is extremely supportive in me pursuing my sporting dreams.
I think it has come to a point where my family and friends no longer bug me about living up to social norms – getting a good job, getting married and having children, being more settled... They've either accepted me for who I am or perhaps they've given up on me!
As one of the few female high jumpers to win a gold at the SEA Games, what's the greatest lesson you've learned in your journey as a track & field athlete in Singapore?
There are always going to be ups and downs in life. When you're on top of the world, remember to stay humble. And when you hit a low, stay hopeful – the tides will turn.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of athletes in Singapore?
We have a high attrition rate in Singapore because the system pushes us to take mainstream routes (which I don't see a problem with). But I hope that the younger Athletes see that doing the sport Long term can be done.
What does victory mean to you?
Victory means being able to walk away from a situation knowing that I've learnt something from it. Often, a lot of circumstances leave a bad taste in our mouths, but if we can walk away from them knowing that there's still something positive (like a lesson learnt) we can take away, I see it as a victory.
It's important to have a strong support system. I've been very fortunate to have amazing training partners and coaches who have pulled me out of dark places multiple times to get me back on my feet again. My employer understands that I have training and competition commitments, and is extremely supportive in me pursuing my sporting dreams.
I think it has come to a point where my family and friends no longer bug me about living up to social norms – getting a good job, getting married and having children, being more settled... They've either accepted me for who I am or perhaps they've given up on me!
As one of the few female high jumpers to win a gold at the SEA Games, what's the greatest lesson you've learned in your journey as a track & field athlete in Singapore?
There are always going to be ups and downs in life. When you're on top of the world, remember to stay humble. And when you hit a low, stay hopeful – the tides will turn.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of athletes in Singapore?
We have a high attrition rate in Singapore because the system pushes us to take mainstream routes (which I don't see a problem with). But I hope that the younger Athletes see that doing the sport Long term can be done.
What does victory mean to you?
Victory means being able to walk away from a situation knowing that I've learnt something from it. Often, a lot of circumstances leave a bad taste in our mouths, but if we can walk away from them knowing that there's still something positive (like a lesson learnt) we can take away, I see it as a victory.
What's your goal in high jumping? Medals? Records? Olympics? Inspiring someone?
I want to keep breaking my own record! Of course, I wouldn't say no to the Olympics – it's almost every athlete's dream.
I want to keep breaking my own record! Of course, I wouldn't say no to the Olympics – it's almost every athlete's dream.
Corum Admiral AC-One 45 Squelette
Director/Producer: Vanessa Caitlin
Videographer & 1st AD: David Bay
Makeup and hair: Christian Maranion
Videographer & 1st AD: David Bay
Makeup and hair: Christian Maranion