SMU alumna Yip Pin Xiu was included in a feature on six Singapore para athletes who inspire. In her Paralympic debut at the Beijing Games in 2008 Yip Pin Xiu, then 16 years old, stormed to victory in the 50m backstroke S3, making her Singapore's first Paralympic gold medallist. Her gold medal feat created ripples beyond the pool as it sparked a debate about equal prize money between para athletes and able-bodied athletes. The rewards for para athletes who won medals at subsequent major Games were increased.