Singaporean athlete proposes to girlfriend at SEA Games

A few hours after completing the race, Chong, 26, was on another intense mission: proposing to his long-time girlfriend Sheryl Foo.

Everyone cheered for the couple when Foo said yes in front of Chong’s friends and teammates on May 8.

Chong said proposing is 10 times more intense than competing.

“Everyone was looking at me and already knew what was happening but, when the moment comes, you have to do everything prim and proper, you don’t want to make any mistakes,” Chong told The Strait Times.

The 26-year-old triathlete bought the ring in mid-2022 but couldn’t find the right time to pop the question, until a friend suggested that he do it at the SEA Games.

Foo, 26, said she was shocked when Chong got down on one knee, and was very happy about the special moment.

The couple first met at a triathlon training in 2016. After seven years, their relationship is still strong as Foo continues to support Chong at competitions and encourages him to overcome challenges during training.

After the proposal, the couple are not rushing with wedding plans, as Chong will take a break from competition to recover and focus on his career as a sports massage therapist.