Lee Thiam Huat’s dream of being an Olympic referee is almost coming true. In fact, you can be certain that he will be among the 29 referees who will be selected for the taekwondo event in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games.
Thiam Huat and his elder brother Thiam Poh signed up for the International Referee Training Camp in July 2007. The camp was specially organized for international referees who aspired to officiate in the Games. It attracted 184 participants. After the grueling training and testing, the younger sibling was among 54 referees from 41 countries shortlisted.
All the referees were assigned to officiate in the World Qualifications for the Games and several Continental Qualifications.
After traveling round the world to referee in the various Qualification Tournaments, Thiam Huat was selected for the Good Luck Beijing 2008 International Taekwondo Invitational Tournament scheduled to be held from 26 to 29 February 2008 in Beijing, China. The competition would serve as a trial for the real event.
The selection was certainly a confirmation of Thiam Huat’s inclusion in the Olympics.
Well done, Thiam Huat! Continue to do Singapore proud.