Born: 1965
Biography:
Adelene Wee (born 1965) is a retired Singaporean bowling champion. She was the youngest winner and the first Singaporean person to win the title of World Champion at the World Games.
Wee was born in 1965 to a large family with six other brothers and sisters. She started bowling at the age of 12, inspired by her father and two brothers who were also bowlers. They often took her with them to the bowling alley, where she quickly developed a passion for the sport.
At the age of fifteen, Wee made history as the youngest gold medal winner of the Philippines Women’s Open Masters in 1981. The following year, she broke the world record for six-game singles in ten-pin bowling at the Sukhumvit Open and won the Singapore International Bowling Championships.
In June 1985, Wee achieved great success at the Asian FIQ youth championships, winning three gold medals. Her exceptional talent and skills caught the attention of national selectors, and she was chosen to represent Singapore at the prestigious World Games in the same year.
At the 1985 World Games, Wee competed alongside Al Dy as the two athletes from Singapore in the bowling category. Showing remarkable determination and resilience, she participated in both the mixed doubles and singles competitions. Against competitors from 23 other countries, the nineteen-year-old Wee emerged victorious, securing the gold medal and becoming the first world champion from Singapore and the world’s youngest winner at the games. She achieved this feat with a remarkable 200-plus average, even while battling a hamstring injury.
Upon her return to Singapore, Wee received a warm welcome at the airport, greeted by fans, friends, and family who were proud of her historic achievement. Her outstanding performance at the World Games cemented her status as a national sporting hero.
Wee’s contributions to the sport of bowling did not end with her triumph at the World Games. She continued to excel in her chosen field and was granted a lifetime membership at all bowling centers in recognition of her achievements. However, in 1993, she decided to retire from competitive bowling.
Following her retirement, Wee pursued a career as an insurance agent and sports therapist. She also dedicated her time to volunteer work at a Christian church, furthering her commitment to serving others.
In 2014, Adelene Wee was honored for her contributions to Singaporean sports when she was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame. Her pioneering achievements and enduring legacy continue to inspire young athletes, especially women, in their pursuit of excellence on and off the sports field.
Awards:
– World Champion at the World Games (1985)
– Gold Medal, Philippines Women’s Open Masters (1981)
– World Record Holder, six-game singles in ten-pin bowling at the Sukhumvit Open (1982)
– Gold Medal, Singapore International Bowling Championships (1982)
– Three Gold Medals, Asian FIQ youth championships (1985)