Historic Leap for Singapore's Kampton Kam

In a dazzling display of athleticism, high jumper Kampton Kam has etched his name into Singaporean sports history by smashing a 30-year-old national record on Friday, April 11. The 24-year-old athlete achieved an incredible jump of 2.25 meters at the 2025 South Florida Invitational, surpassing the previous record of 2.22 meters set by Wong Yew Tong at the 1995 Southeast Asian Games.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Currently a student at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Kam has been consistently breaking records. Not only does he now hold the national high jump record across various age groups, but he also set the indoor record of 2.21 meters just last month while clinching the high jump title at the Ivy League Heptagonal Indoor Championships.

Eyes on the SEA Games Medal

With his record-breaking performance, Kam has his eyes firmly set on the upcoming SEA Games in Bangkok, where he aims to bring home a much-awaited medal. It's been nearly three decades since a Singaporean male athlete stood on the podium for high jump, with Wong Yew Tong last achieving silver in 1995. Kam's ambition is to end this long drought and reinvigorate Singapore's presence in the sport.

Overcoming Challenges for Glory

Kam made his SEA Games debut in 2019, but faced setbacks when he missed the 2022 edition due to surgery for a collapsed lung. His commitment to academics also led him to skip the 2023 Games. Despite these challenges, his recent triumphs showcase his determination and talent as he prepares to make an unforgettable impact at the next SEA Games.