It's Singapore's first gold medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games!

In the early hours of Saturday (Sept. 10) morning, Yip Pin Xiu clinched gold in the 100m backstroke S2 event, shattering the world record with a timing of 2min 7.09sec

During the same race, the 24-year-old swimmer also set a new world record in the 50m backstroke with a split timing of 59.38s.

This is Yip's second Paralympic gold medal, after winning her first in the women’s 50m backstroke event at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

The Paralympian, who was born with muscle dystrophy and a nerve condition that impairs her eyesight, started swimming at the age of five to improve her health.

Yip continues to represent Singapore on the international sporting stage under the coaching of former Olympic swimmer Ang Peng Siong, even as she constantly fights her continuously-degenerating muscles.

After her record-setting win, congratulatory notes for Yip poured in from all across the island.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: "Pin Xiu, you have made Singapore very proud today."

President Tony Tan: "Met Pin Xiu during her training in June...was very modest about her chances, but told me she will do her best"

Minister and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council Tan Chuan-Jin: Awesome Pinxiu!

But perhaps the most heartwarming one of all is the one from a fellow gold medalist with a simple message.

Congratulations on your win, Pin Xiu.

Thank you for being an inspiration to Singaporeans and making us proud.

Top image: screenshot from Channel NewsAsia

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