Sport

Singapore – Wee He Sheng, a 36-year-old avid golfer, has defied incredible odds, returning to the sport he loves after surviving four cardiac arrests. His story, a testament to resilience and the advancements in medical care, highlights the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness. What began as a routine golf simulator session at the 2019 SMBC Singapore Open turned into a life-threatening emergency, marking the first in a series of harrowing experiences.

Mr. Wee’s journey began in January 2019, when he collapsed while at the Sentosa Golf Club. He received CPR for 15 minutes and three electrical shocks from an automated external defibrillator (AED) before regaining consciousness in Singapore General Hospital (SGH), according to his recollection of the event. This initial incident led to a diagnosis of unexplained ventricular fibrillation (VF), a type of irregular heart rhythm and the implantation of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to monitor and regulate his heart.

Despite the initial shock and the presence of the ICD, Mr. Wee faced further cardiac events. Just two months later, in March 2019, he experienced another cardiac arrest while bowling with friends. He described feeling lightheaded before his ICD delivered a shock, prompting a week-long hospital stay. Then, in 2022, two separate cardiac arrests occurred during a barbecue, requiring further medical intervention and a week-long hospitalization. “After that episode, I could walk about only 500m before needing a rest,” he shared.

According to Associate Professor Ching Chi Keong, a senior consultant from the Department of Cardiology at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively due to an electrical malfunction. “This causes blood circulation to cease and the person loses consciousness within seconds. Without immediate intervention such as CPR and defibrillation, cardiac arrest becomes fatal within minutes,” he explained. He further clarified the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack, noting that a heart attack involves blocked blood flow to the heart muscle, while cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. You can learn more about cardiac arrest and heart attacks on the Singapore General Hospital website.

A Lifelong Passion for Golf

Prior to his health challenges, Mr. Wee was a competitive golfer. He won the 2005 National Inter-School Golf Championships and secured a silver medal in the 2004 National Inter-School Team Golf Championships while representing Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). He also participated in the Singapore National Amateur Championships twice and the Singapore Open Amateur thrice. He worried that his passion would be taken from him. “One of my first thoughts was: ‘I’ve played golf all my life. Don’t tell me play a game because my health is not very good now.’”

Despite his health setbacks, Mr. Wee refused to give up on the sport. In 2024, he remarkably played 36 holes in a single day at the EFG China Ladies Professional Golfers Q Series at Laguna National Golf Resort Club. While he didn’t continue for a third round the following day, the accomplishment was a significant milestone in his recovery. He currently participates in the Singapore Golf Meetup.com Group, organizing monthly games in Johor Bahru and weekly driving range sessions.

Inspiring Others and Promoting Awareness

Mr. Wee’s experience has instilled in him a desire to inspire others and promote awareness about cardiac health. He emphasizes that one doesn’t necessitate to be exceptional to craft a positive impact. “What I want to share is you don’t have to be great at something to make a positive impact on society or to inspire others,” he said. He also hopes his story will highlight the quality of Singapore’s medical system. Professor Ching Chi Keong encourages younger individuals to learn CPR and AED skills, emphasizing their potential to save lives in emergency situations.

Mr. Wee continues to work as a business and economics teacher at an international school, holding a master’s degree in business administration and general management from Singapore Management University. He maintains a healthy lifestyle, including swimming, brisk walking, and mindful eating, while regularly consulting with his cardiologist at the NHCS.

The story of Wee He Sheng serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention, the resilience of the human spirit, and the life-saving potential of readily available medical resources. His continued dedication to golf and his commitment to inspiring others demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to live a full and meaningful life.

As Mr. Wee continues to play and promote the sport he loves, his story will undoubtedly encourage others to prioritize their health and appreciate the preciousness of life. His ongoing involvement in the golfing community and his dedication to sharing his experiences will continue to have a positive impact on those around him.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

The Six Nations Championship, a cornerstone of the international rugby calendar, is known for its intense competition and passionate fan base. But nestled within the schedule is a less-discussed element: the fallow week. For years, these breaks in play have been a fixture, offering players a chance to rest and recuperate, while too allowing domestic leagues to resume. But, the structure of these breaks is evolving, with the 2026 tournament set to feature a change that will impact both players and the flow of the championship.

A format adjustment for the 2026 Six Nations, partly driven by the need to accommodate the inaugural Nations Championship, will result in one fewer fallow week than in recent years. This means players will have a single week of rest after the third round of matches, compressing the entire tournament into just over five weeks. While welcomed by many fans and media outlets eager for a faster-paced championship, the change raises questions about player welfare and the demands placed on squad depth, particularly with three Test matches scheduled within a fortnight.

So, what exactly does a Six Nations fallow week entail? And how has its role evolved over the years?

What Happens During a Six Nations Fallow Week?

The upcoming fallow week in 2026 will run from February 28th to March 1st, with the championship resuming on Friday, March 6th, when Ireland hosts Wales in Dublin. During this period, the focus shifts back to domestic competitions. Leagues like the United Rugby Championship and France’s Top 14 will resume their schedules, providing opportunities for players to gain game time. The Gallagher Premiership, now comprised of 10 teams, can also pause its season, though the Premiership Rugby Cup will continue to be played.

Players involved in the Six Nations aren’t necessarily sidelined during this break. Some may return to their clubs to gain additional playing minutes, depending on their national coach’s assessment. However, it’s also common for teams to maintain an international camp for three days before allowing players to return home and spend time with family and friends, resuming preparations for the next match with renewed focus.

A Historical Look at Fallow Weeks

The inclusion of fallow weeks isn’t a recent development. When Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, a rest week was built into the schedule after each round of fixtures, extending the tournament from early February to the start of April. This pattern mirrored the structure of the previous Five Nations, where a fortnight typically separated matches. In the Five Nations era, with an odd number of teams, one side would regularly face a four-week gap between games.

From 2003 to 2025, the championship followed a 2-1-2 format, featuring two fallow weeks – one after Round 2 and another after Round 3. The 2026 edition marks a shift to a single fallow week after Round 3, streamlining the tournament to a more media-friendly five-week duration. This change also strategically creates an extra international weekend to accommodate the launch of the new Nations Championship, set to begin in November 2026.

However, this compressed schedule isn’t without potential drawbacks. With player welfare becoming an increasingly prominent concern, player representatives are expected to voice concerns about the physical demands of playing five high-intensity Test matches in six weeks. Coaches, particularly those with teams facing a quick turnaround between Saturday and Sunday matches – like Wales this season – may also lament the loss of valuable preparation time.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Six Nations promises to be a compelling tournament, not only for its on-field action but also for the implications of its revised schedule. The reduction in fallow weeks represents a balancing act between maximizing fan engagement and prioritizing player well-being. As the championship progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of this change on player performance and injury rates. The success of this new format could pave the way for further adjustments to the international rugby calendar, as governing bodies continue to navigate the complexities of a demanding global schedule.

What are your thoughts on the changes to the Six Nations schedule? Share your opinions in the comments below!