'I don't follow anyone's timeline': Singaporean 2-time Olympian Saiyidah Aisyah welcomes first child at 38

Singaporean rower and two-time Olympian Saiyidah Aisyah Rafaee has welcomed her first child in Boston, marking a new chapter in her life at 38.

Aisyah gave birth to her son, Asher Sahil Zuckerman, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on August 29, Berita Harian (BH) reported on Friday (Sept 25).

The Olympian said she approached childbirth with the same resilience and discipline she used in preparing for major races.

She told BH that she prepared by learning what to expect, writing down her fears, practising breathing techniques and finding different ways to manage pain.

"Just like a race, much of the hard work happens before the big day arrives," she said.

Aisyah moved to Boston in 2019 and married American Ross Zuckerman later that year.