What is an unexpected fact about skydiving that most people don’t know?

KP: When we are in the sky during a competition, there is a videographer also [flying with us] because the judges cannot see us when we are 14,000ft above ground. Their presence is critical, as they film our routines and tricks for the judges to score. This means we get to play around with the perspective that the camera creates, which opens up a new aspect of creativity and evolution of the sport.

What goes through your mind before you take a jump?

KP: For the competition, we have to memorise the plan for the jump and sometimes jumping in new unfamiliar situations can be very stressful. Without focus, a safe sport can immediately become more risky. So, I always tell myself to remember 7 As when I jump—that is to be alert, aware, attentive, agile, adaptable, accurate and awesome. The last one might sound silly, but it sets me up for success.

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Aside from telling yourself those words, how do you mentally prepare yourself to compete?

KP: I read books about mental strength like The Mindset of a Champion, which has helped me in so many ways. In terms of rituals, I always tie my shoelaces again after each round so that I can feel the connection of energy from my head to my toes, and that reminds me to extend my body.

I also dedicate the last rounds of my freestyle competitions to my late grandfather, who used to always tell me to fly for him whenever I felt nervous or stressed out. I want to continue to make him proud of how far I have come.

You’ve achieved numerous records and titles in skydiving. Which of them are you proudest about?

KP: If I had to choose, it would be the 2018 World Cup when my team participated in the category of two-way dynamic. It was the greatest moment for us as my competition partner and I had been in a team since we were eight years old. To finally win a big world title together at 16 was a huge achievement for both of us.

Another reason why it meant so much to us was because since young, we were always competing against men who were two or three times our age. There was always a sense that, as kids, we were not being taken seriously by them or the judges. So being able to prove ourselves was a huge accomplishment.

I remember the moment well. It was a tie-breaker round, where we were neck and neck with the other team. When we were announced as the winners, the atmosphere was incredible and the crowd went wild. It was one of the best moments in my life.

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What’s been the most challenging moment in your career?

KP: I struggled a lot with managing my stress levels this year. I think the pressure of winning set in on me. From the outside, most people see just my wins and the fact that I became a world champion. But getting there has been one of the most difficult journeys of my life.

I remember that weeks before the competition, I was constantly crying when I was training and feeling super frustrated with myself. It stemmed from the fear of falling off this pedestal that I felt people, fans, competitors and friends had made for me because I had been on a long winning streak.

I struggled to balance the pleasure of competing with the pressure of competing. 

On the day of the competition, despite the emotions, I used all that I had left to pull it all in and finish it. I would not have gotten through this without my mother and my family, and my Singapore indoor skydiving family. As a whole, all of those who represent Singapore are like family to me and they helped me through this stressful time. It made a big difference to me that I was competing alongside my team.

What life lessons has skydiving taught you?

KP: There have been so many lessons. Some life lessons include discipline, the role of sacrifice, being focused and putting in your 110 percent to achieve your goals.

I have also learnt about the importance of being a good leader and role model for people and being a good sportsperson. Through it all, I have become more self-aware. You have to be alert at all times for what is happening, where you are above the ground, who is near you or who could potentially put you in a dangerous situation.

You mentioned the importance of being a role model to others. In what ways are you trying to be one?

KP: I give back to the community by coaching and helping wherever possible. For the last five years, my peers and I have been coaching and growing the Singapore community. For smaller competitions, we team up with less experienced flyers to guide them through how competitions work. I believe no one should excluded from being able to fly. As long as you are passionate enough, there is a way for someone to be able to fly.

What would you say to someone aspiring to be a pro skydiver like you?

KP: It is not just about looking cool and being able to fly. I think many people look at my flying and think “I want to do this. It looks so cool!” It is fun and we try to make it look aesthetically pleasing, but there is a lot of effort needed and you have to be ready to give all you have.

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