No coach in Singapore was deemed worthy of the 2009 Coach of the Year award. At least, not the nominated ones: Peter Churchill (Swimming), Mervyn Foo (Bowling), Brett Byer (Sailing), Yang Kexia (Gymnastics).
The one coach the Singapore National Olympic Council seemed inclined to give it to was Liu Guodong, but the Singapore Table Tennis Association declined to nominate him, even after the SNOC asked them to reconsider.
"Liu Guodong has contributed to the success of the women's team… but the committee felt that result is just one aspect," STTA president and MP for Ang Mo Kio Lee Bee Wah is quoted as saying in Today (Wednesday, May 6, 2009).
"For the Coach of the Year award, of course we expect much more than just results, such as he must be well respected by all the players or the team, show professionalism, and integrity," she added.
Liu Guodong coached the national women’s table tennis team to the silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was Singapore’s first medal at the Olympics in almost half a century.
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LBW had apologised once. It is vengeance not to nominate Liu for the coach award.
People in STTA will be biased because it will be stupid not to say something to support LBW.
If everyone is biased, we decide by looking at the results because the results cannot be biased.
To win the medal after more than 40 years is really a great achievement. A lot of explanation has to be given for not nominating Liu for the coach award. STTA has to explain to SSC and the public. Funds come from the public and not from LBW and a few puppets.
http://www.petitiononline.com/lbh/petition.html
liu guodong deserves the award… this just shows how pathetic bureaucrats playing political games with true sporting achievers.. the STTA is a disgrace..
What’s the matter with STTA? The coach’s role in helping the team clinch the Silver Olympic medal was vital. Liu Guodong delivered and now they are shifting the goal post. I feel sad for Singapore sports. The LBW comments were uncalled for. I have also lost respect for Teo Ser Luck for being blind to the issue and making those statements. Good luck to Singapore in the Youth Olympic Games!
Thanks drghwer, marissab, you two have made a very good point in answering my question. Haha.
But then again, shouldn’t coach of the year be more than just about the results he/she brings about?
Like what the STTA said that results should not be just the sole reason for Coach of the Year, the person must be well respected show professionalism, and integrity etc.
But judging how SNOC seemed more inclined to give it to coach Liu, maybe they base the award on results…
No. Raddy is not going to be able to compete with any of the top coaches in Singapore, from the TT coach, to swimming, to bowling, to sailing, to shooting, whatever. Football has never stepped up above the regional (SEA Games) level. They cannot even win a SEA Games gold. Please do not compare to Liu Guodong (Olympics silver), Peter Churchill (Olympics final, Asian record, World Cup record), Mervyn Foo (AMF Champion)
Anyway, I’m going to stop. Not going to turn this into another football talk. Football is not and should not be invovled in this discussion
i agree with junwei. how come raddy’s not in the list? the Lions did get pretty good results, except on a few occasions.
Dont make me laugh? Raddy? For what? For losing everywhere? Football gets way too much attention way too easily. His achievements will pale in comparison to any of the coaches on this list
Hmm.. Strange that FAS didn’t nominate coach Raddy for soccer.. Though they didn’t go all the way to the top, they did achieve quite some good results this time round..
Sick of politic.
Feel shame of Singapore.
How to keep top talent with dirty politic flooding ?
Don’t talk about integrity and moral value when you don’t have any.
Guo Dong, take it easy … many many Singaporean still appreciate you and LIKE your style … Good Luck
hi, the “Lio” in the poll is spelled wrongly, and i really dun dare to do any critic on the STTA president, but its all open for everyone in the world to see and judge it, lol
It is ridiculous that in light of the STTA saga, the coach award was not handed. Even if Liu Guo Dong was the most deserving, could they really not find a second winner? Are you trying to tell me Peter Churchill would not have been a deserving winner? Cmon. The guy coached Tao Li from a mere regional SEA Games gold medallist to an Olympic finalist, Asian record holder and World Cup record holder. Surely that is an achievement good enough for Coach of the Year? Moreover, his coaching was done without the extensive funding that the STTA received. Remember, Tao Li was not in the Project 0812. What she and Churchill achieved was through pure hard work and no handouts. How is Churchill not a worthy winner? While everyone considers the omission to be a snub to Liu, has anyone considered that it is also a snub to Churchill, who frankly speaking, would have won it any other year?
Thanks, SSF.
Only bad news gets so much coverage. lol
We’re swamped here with the inter-school season. One story is blurring into another.
Anyway, with regards to Lee Bee Wah accusing Liu Guodong of a lack of integrity – I must say, you try accusing a PAP politician of that without proof, and before you can say “Singapore Table Tennis Association”, you’ll get a suit for slander.
To accuse Liu Guodong of lacking integrity means that Liu was dishonest and was immoral.
Now that is some statement.
I don’t know if they translated it from Mandarin or not but that is saying a lot.
Hi Les
As usual, here’s my two cents’ worth:
http://singaporesportsfan.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/snub-of-churchill-and-foo-shows-that-the-sports-awards-are-a-farce/
Cheers
SSF