When the Asian Youth Games (AYG) begin this October, four of Singapore’s brightest junior triathletes will line up for what will be the most significant competition of their young sporting journeys so far. For these under-15 national athletes Ethan Chang, Jemma Hadden, Isabella, and Caleb Barter, the AYG marks a step up in intensity, prestige, and pressure in an arena where they’ll measure themselves against the best youth athletes across Asia.
Ethan Chang: From swimmer to triathlete on the rise
For 15-year-old Ethan Chang, the journey began with swimming in primary school, then cross country, before Coach Siti from Born2Tri Warriors nudged him into trying triathlon.
“I feel honoured and grateful to be part of this team of four youths selected to represent Singapore,” Chang said. “It’s my first time at such a major event, and while I’m nervous about the unknowns, I trust the coaches to help me adapt and perform on race day.”
Having competed in World Triathlon U15 events in Hong Kong and Kampar earlier this year, Chang knows the international stage is not unfamiliar but the AYG will demand more. His target is a Top 40 finish, with an eye on his long-term goal of making it to the 2029 SEA Games on home soil.
Preparation has included a training camp in Japan with teammate Isabella, where the pair not only gained exposure but also forged friendships across Asia. “We made many good friends there, and I’m looking forward to racing with them again. Heat acclimatisation is something new, but I’m getting more comfortable each session.”
Jemma Hadden: Rapid rise, steady focus
Jemma Hadden, also 15, only picked up triathlon at the end of 2024, but her progress has been remarkable. Inspired by her father’s talk of a family relay, she gave all three disciplines a shot and, just a year later, she’s bound for both AYG and SEA Games.
“Happy, nervous and somewhat unsure — that’s how I feel going into my first major games abroad,” she admitted. “But I just want to enjoy the event and have fun with my teammates.”
Her training has been toughened to target AYG. “Everyone says it gets worse before it gets better, so I’m waiting for the better to come!” she laughed.
AYG will serve as a checkpoint before the SEA Games. “At AYG, most of us are first-timers. At SEA Games, the pressure will be bigger because I’m racing not just for myself, but for the team and country.”
Nur Isabella Schiering: Turning motivation into performance
For 14-year-old Schiering, the AYG selection was surreal at first. “Being selected was such an incredible feeling. At first I couldn’t believe it, then it quickly became motivation. I know this is a big opportunity, and I want to give my absolute best to make my team and country proud.”
Her race plan is clear: “Swim confidently, ride strategically, and run with everything I’ve got. If I execute well, I’ll be proud no matter the result.”
Her triathlon story began at nine with an aquathlon, soon evolving into a full-blown passion. “What began as simple fun at a kids’ race became a passion that still drives me today.”
Caleb Barter: New to triathlon, ready to test himself
Caleb Barter, 14, stepped away from competitive swimming at the start of last year due to the “demanding schedule of swimming with CCA and school” and found triathlon shortly after, as the “natural next step”, with inspiration from his father who also races in the same sport.
“This will be my first time at a major event of this scale, and I feel both privileged and motivated to give my very best,” Barter said. His goal is a Top 30 finish while clocking personal bests across all three legs.
The transition wasn’t smooth at first. “The intensity and volume were a big step up, and there were plenty of ups and downs. But thanks to my coaches’ guidance, my preparation is on track and I feel ready.”
Looking Ahead
The AYG won’t be the first taste of international racing for these four, but it is undeniably their most important test so far. This is the chance to prove themselves, push their limits, and take another step closer to the SEA Games and beyond.
