Tan Howe Liang, a pioneer in Singapore’s sporting history and the country’s first Olympic medalist, passed away on 3 December 2024 at the age of 91. His silver medal in weightlifting at the Rome 1960 Olympics marked a monumental moment for Singapore, inspiring generations and catalyzing a national focus on sports development.
Tan’s journey to Olympic glory was one of remarkable resilience. Born in Swatow, China, in 1933, he migrated to Singapore at the age of four, growing up in the cramped quarters of Chinatown. At 14, he lost his father and was left to fend for himself, a tragedy that forged his unwavering determination. Before his father’s death, Tan vowed to become one of the strongest men in the world, a promise that fueled his pursuit of weightlifting excellence.
Starting his training in 1952 with the Evergreen Weightlifting Party, Tan quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. Despite financial hardships, he funded his training by working various jobs, including as a dockworker and electrician. Within a year, he became Singapore’s national weightlifting champion, and by 1958, he had broken the world record in the clean and jerk at the Commonwealth Games.
1960 ROME OLYMPICS
His crowning achievement came in 1960 when he clinched a silver medal at the Rome Olympics, enduring intense physical pain to secure his place in history. This medal was not just a personal triumph but a national milestone, putting Singapore on the global sporting map.
“Tan Howe Liang’s achievement inspired many generations of Singaporeans,” said Grace Fu, president of the Singapore National Olympic Council. “He exemplified the values of a true Olympian through his humility, determination, and kindness.”
Despite his groundbreaking success, Tan’s homecoming was modest, reflecting Singapore’s limited appreciation for sports during that era. Yet his triumph reverberated within the local sporting community, proving that even under challenging economic conditions, world-class achievements were possible.
1964 ASIAN GAMES
Tan retired from competitive weightlifting in 1964 after a storied career that included gold medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. He dedicated his later years to coaching, nurturing the next generation of Singaporean weightlifters. His contributions extended beyond sports; he also explored his passion for cooking and briefly ran a restaurant specializing in Peking cuisine.
Though weightlifting faded in prominence in Singapore by the 1990s, Tan’s legacy endured. His Olympic success inspired Project 0812, a multimillion-dollar initiative that ended Singapore’s 48-year Olympic medal drought with silver in Beijing 2008 and bronzes in London 2012.
In recognition of his contributions, Tan received the International Olympic Committee Diploma of Merit in 2016. Reflecting on his lifelong passion, he once remarked, “Weightlifting is in my blood. How can I give it up?”
Tan Howe Liang’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and an enduring symbol of hope for Singapore’s athletes. His iconic image, lifting the weights that carried the dreams of a nation, will forever remain a part of Singapore’s sporting history.
He is survived by his legacy, one that continues to inspire those who dare to dream against the odds.
