SINGAPORE : Thum Ping Tjin was to have taken to the waters on Wednesday afternoon in his pursuit to become the first Singaporean to swim across the English Channel, but bad weather forced the former national swimmer to postpone his plans.

Some Singaporeans, however, went ahead with their own swim in support of Thum.

Just 24 hours before Ping Tjin was scheduled to swim across the English Channel, he was told that weather and tide conditions were not conducive.

His next attempt is to be made on Friday but even that’s not confirmed yet.

“The only time I’m completely sure I’m going to do the swim is when I actually start. I know of people who have gone all the way to the beach, ready to start. But it was called off. You never really know, that is the nature of channel swimming,” said Thum.

Ping Tjin’s supporters, who were going to swim concurrently with Ping Tjin, are going ahead with their swim at Farrer Park.

Popular personalities like Ang Peng Siong and NMP Eunice Olsen, who remained on dry land, were there to lend their support to Ping Tjin.

Also showing up, but not taking to the water was Sports Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishanan.

“I’m glad to see so many young kids and not-so-young kids like us, fellow Singaporeans out here to support him as he pursues his dream. It’s a great day and we all look forward to seeing him achieve that,” said the Sports Minister.

About 300 people including students from various schools are swimming to show their support for Ping Tjin.

- CNA /ls

Channel News Asia