Powerlifting bros finally return to S'pore after getting stranded 30 hours in Belarus

They returned to Singapore to minimal fanfare.

Belmont Lay | June 25, 2017, 12:36 AM

Powerlifting brothers Matthew and Marcus Yap have finally arrived back in Singapore on Saturday afternoon.

This was after they were stranded in Belarus for 30 hours due to a visa mix-up.

Greeted by minimal fanfare, their mother, other relatives, friends and vice-president of Powerlifting Singapore, Tan Say Yong showed up at the airport to welcome the siblings.

The Yap brothers participated in the World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Belarus, where Matthew, 17, set a new world squat record of 208kg in the men's Under-66kg sub-junior division (14 to 18 years old) on June 18.

Marcus, 23, went to the world event as a coach.

The self-funded athletes struck a chord with Singaporeans as it was revealed that the brothers paid for their own chance to compete on the international stage.

In total, the brothers spent up to S$5,500 to fly over to Belarus for this competition.

Matthew saved up from working 10-hour shifts at a Korean eatery and saving their allowances, with zero official funding.

When it was reported that the duo missed their flight out, a crowdfunding effort raised S$2,685, with one donor making a single S$2,000 donation.

However, even though they had enough money, the siblings chose to give the earlier flight back to Singapore a miss, as the ticket prices were too high.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs helped negotiate terms with Lufthansa to reduce the ticket price to S$935.

Here's a video of their return at Changi Airport:

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Related articles:

S’porean teenage powerlifter worked in Korean eatery to save up for Belarus competition

S’porean, 17, powerlifted 3 times body weight with 208kg World Squat Record

 

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