Loveless Summer

Family of dead teen triathlete does not blame anyone

By Ng Liang Cheong / Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 June 2007 2227 hrs

SINGAPORE: The family of teenager Thaddeus Cheong, who died at a triathlon selection race on Sunday, is not blaming anyone.

This was despite the apparent lack of medical personnel on site, at the time of the incident.

Thaddeus had been eager to represent Singapore at the upcoming South East Asian Games.

The 17-year-old Raffles Junior College student started training for it three years ago.

He even participated in races in South Korea last year, to gain some competitive experience.

On Sunday, Thaddeus had completed the SEA Games trial in good time.

His parents said he finished the race in 2 hours and 9 minutes, which is about 3 minutes faster than the qualification mark.

But Thaddeus collapsed after crossing the finishing line.

He did not respond to his parents, who had rushed to his side.

Doctors failed to revive him and the teen died in hospital from cardio-respiratory failure.

The Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) said although there were no medical personnel on site, the coaches present were all trained in first-aid.

Thaddeus’ parents said TAS has been very good to their two sons who are triathlon enthusiasts.

And for now, they just want to remember Thaddeus, who did them proud.

“My son enjoyed the training very much, he was very determined… always looking forward, sometimes he would ask his daddy to wake up early and bring him to train… he really enjoyed it,” said Thaddeus’ mother Angeline Wee. – CNA/yy