SINGAPORE – 6 February 2024 – Singapore’s most decorated Paralympic para swimmer Yip Pin Xiu today unveiled her wax figure at the iconic Singapore Sports Hub. She is the first Singaporean para-athlete to have a wax figure displayed at Madame Tussauds Singapore.
Yip made history as Singapore’s first Paralympic gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games in Beijing, followed by her gold medal win at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and currently holds two world records for her efforts. This wax figure unveiling coincides with 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where Yip will be competing in later this year.
Yip said, “I am absolutely honoured to have my wax figure made by Madame Tussauds Singapore, and placed alongside other sporting legends. It is a proud moment for me and a testament to the hard work and effort I have put in over the years. I hope that this moment will also inspire and empower Singaporeans to achieve their dreams regardless of ability, and foster an inclusive society where all are celebrated.”
Yip’s wax figure captures the triumphant moment at the podium during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics where she was awarded her gold medal. Clad in the Singapore national tracksuit outfit which she wore during the Tokyo Paralympics, her winning smile and aura are faithfully captured in remarkable likeness in her wax figure.
Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore, says “It is an honour to add Pin Xiu to our stellar line-up of stars. The figure not only pays homage to her sporting prowess, it emphasises the importance of inclusivity – a value we at Madame Tussauds embrace dearly – and breaking barriers in the world of sports. Pin Xiu’s achievements are an inspiration for aspiring athletes and hold a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans.”
The wax figure was meticulously crafted by a team of expert sculptors and artists at Madame Tussauds, and took over six months to create to ensure that the figure captured Yip’s strength and personality. The team took extra care in ensuring that the figure fitted well with the wheelchair it came in, which is the exact model that Yip uses.
Yip’s figure was unveiled by Yip herself together with Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law at Singapore Sports Hub. The unveiling ceremony followed the announcement by World Para Swimming (WPS) and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) that revealed Singapore as the host city for the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships.
Madame Tussauds believes in creating a memorable experience with inclusive spaces, and programmes for everyone, such as collaborating with SDSC to host special needs groups at the attraction as part of their community outreach initiative. In addition, guests with special needs and their caregivers get to enjoy 30% off admission tickets throughout the year.
Yip’s “wax twin” will be on display at Madame Tussauds Singapore from 6 February 2024, where Singaporeans and international guests can take a winning photograph with the sports star. Guests can purchase the special bundle which includes admission ticket and Yip’s book “The Mermaid who became a Champion”, where part of sales proceeds will be donated to SDSC to support the development of future para athletes.
Madame Tussauds Singapore celebrates her 10th year anniversary this year, and is kicking off celebrations with a slew of exciting figure launches, activities and promotions throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a variety of immersive and interactive experiences under one roof, and get close to more than 80 incredible figures such as local stars Stef Sun and JJ Lin, other sports heroes like Serena Williams and Ronaldo, and international favourites such as Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and Michelle Yeoh.To purchase tickets, or for more information on the celebrities you can meet at Madame Tussauds Singapore, visit: https://www.madametussauds.com/singapore/
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Located at Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa, Madame Tussauds Singapore opened in October 2014, and features variety of interactive experiences under one roof; from Madame Tussauds Singapore, to Images of Singapore, to “Spirit of Singapore” boat ride – the only Madame Tussauds site to have a boat ride, the Marvel Universe 4D Cinema, and lastly the Ultimate Film Star Experience! Featuring 12 incredible zones from glamourous Hollywood actors to your favorite K-pop stars, artists, musicians and sports heroes, the incredible Madame Tussauds Singapore houses over 75 wax figures. The gallery of wonder is so much more than an exciting attraction – where guests will get to experience our immersive and interactive technologies at every corner!
Welcoming a fabulous 10 million guests through our world-famous doors every year, Madame Tussauds gives you the chance to experience the ULTIMATE fame experience. We have over 23 unique locations around the globe, from New York to Singapore, Amsterdam to Sydney – and of course London, where the story began. Throughout our 250+ year history, Madame Tussauds has brought to life thousands of celebs, stars and heroes – in mind-blowingly accurate detail – giving visitors the opportunity to brush shoulders with their idols and LITERALLY reach for the stars!
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 130 attractions, 20 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 25 countries and across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its 67 million guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its 28,000 employees (peak season).
