In a special feature, the parents of SMU School of Social Sciences undergraduate and medal-winning Paralympic swimmer Yip Pin Xiu revelled in their daughter' feat in Rio. They also shared the joy and challenges of raising a swimming champion. Mindful of their daughter's happiness, Mr and Mrs Yip were never stressed about how training could affect Pin Xiu's studies. Swimming took precedence over school in 2008, the year she sat her O levels. Mrs Yip said: "I told her if she didn't do well, she could just repeat the exam." This year, Pin Xiu deferred her final-year studies at SMU to concentrate on preparing for the Rio Games. Her mum noted that she would have graduated in July otherwise. By giving their talented and single-minded child the space to think and make choices for herself, Pin Xiu's parents have encouraged her independence.