#49. Quinntessential Questions with Theresa Goh: Let It Go - What It Really Takes To Win
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In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Theresa Goh — four-time Paralympian, two-time World Record Holder, and Rio 2016 Bronze Medallist — whose extraordinary journey from childhood hospitals to Olympic podiums reveals what it truly means to redefine success.
Born with spina bifida, Theresa found freedom in the water and turned her love for swimming into a twenty-year career representing Singapore on the world stage. Across four Paralympic Games — Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio — she learned that victory isn’t just about medals, but about resilience, self-trust, and balance.
Today, Theresa continues to inspire as a coach, mentor, and advocate for disability inclusion and mental wellness. From chasing world records to helping shape the next generation of para-athletes, her story is a masterclass in courage, authenticity, and finding joy in the journey.
Theresa shares how she learned to love the pain, overcome burnout, and rediscover happiness through purpose — proving that the strongest athletes are often those who’ve mastered the art of balance.
We dive into:
The power of self-belief and redefining success beyond medals
How Theresa found freedom and confidence in the pool
Lessons from competing at four Paralympic Games
Missing the podium by 0.7 seconds — and what it taught her about resilience
Dealing with burnout and rediscovering joy in sport
Transitioning from swimming to shooting and chasing new dreams
The role of family, coaching, and community in long-term success
Disability inclusion, mental health, and happiness as a measure of strength
Guest Bio
Theresa Goh is a Singaporean swimmer and Paralympic medalist, with a bronze at the SB4 100m breaststroke at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. She holds the world records for the SB4 50 metres and 200 metres breaststroke events. Due to congenital spina bifida, she does not have use of her legs.
Minutes
(00:18) Introduction
(00:42) Bronze Medal from the Rio Olympics
(03:25) Childhood
(05:49) Mainstream vs Special Education Schools
(06:28) Introduction to Sports (08:54) Parental Support
(10:55) Going into Swimming Full Time
(14:05) Connecting with Fellow Athletes
(18:35) First Big Disappointment (21:35) Knowing Yourself
(23:23) Personal Bests
(25:35) Knowing When to Stop (26:18) Spina Bifida
(27:59) Good Coaching
(29:05) Mindset & Approach (32:47) Support Network
(36:15) Growing up Disabled in Singapore
(38:24) Rio Olympics 2016
(40:00) Scientific Coaching
(42:56) Memory of the Win at Rio (44:45) What Matters the Most (47:07) Getting into Shooting (51:01) Training as a Swimmer (53:22) Micro Details
(55:39) Food Intake
(59:00) Retirement & What’s Next (01:05:57) Advice for Young Athletes
(01:09:08) Animal Welfare (01:13:33) Rapid Fire Questions Behind-The-Scenes
