For Sgt Stephanie Koo, it’s all about giving her best to achieve her goals.
By: Domnic Dass
Have you ever stood in-front of the pull-up bar and attempted a pull-up, only to be defeated by the powerful tug of gravity? How about pushing your limits to five repetitions, then to ten or more?
The struggle – unimaginable. The goal – ambitious (at least, for me).
Now, imagine doing 28 pull-ups! That’s just one of the things Sergeant (Sgt) Stephanie Koo “pulled” off during her training in Training Command (TRACOM). At her intake’s Passing Out Ceremony in September 2022, she outperformed other trainees to become the first female officer to receive the Best in Operation Fitness Award!
Now a Ground Response Force officer at Ang Mo Kio South Neighbourhood Police Centre, Sgt Koo’s smiling presence belies her physical capabilities. Known as the “Pull-up Queen” during her time at TRACOM, she not only completed 28 standard pull-ups but also scored Gold for all her three Individual Physical Proficiency Tests (IPPTs).
In order to receive the Best in Operational Fitness Award, an officer needs to perform well in their physical and operational tests, for example, the IPPT, shooting, swimming and Police Contact Tactics. Sgt Koo excelled in these, and also received high scores in her appraisals.
As a trainee, she volunteered for the role of IC to plan the physical training regime for her squadmates. Sgt Khoo even created a group for them inside a fitness app and encouraged her squadmates to post their weekend training sessions on it as a way of motivating them.
How did you feel when you became the first female trainee to attain the Award?
I felt proud to receive this Award. It motivates me to continue with my fitness journey!
Aren’t pull-ups no longer part of the IPPT stations?
In TRACOM, regular trainees must perform pull-ups as part of their fitness assessment. Pull-ups were reintroduced into our training as it helps build upper body strength, which ensures officers can keep up with the demands of frontline policing.
Were you always this fit? What were you doing before joining the Police?
When I was in secondary school, I was a cadet in the National Cadet Corps and we did a lot of physical exercises. After secondary school, I pursued my passion and obtained a diploma in Pastry and Baking before working as a Baking Assistant for six years.
During that time, I stayed active, practised Muay Thai and did rock climbing. Eventually, I found that workout sessions in the gym worked best for me.
Why did you switch from your passion of baking to join the Police?
I was inspired by reading Police Life articles on women in policing, and I learnt how women can also contribute to Singapore’s safety and security. I always love a challenge, and the test posed by joining the SPF, as well as the opportunity to serve, was simply too good to pass up!
I still love baking, by the way. It’s just that now, I only bake at home!
How do you ensure that you get quality time to train while working on shifts?
I go for gym sessions before my night shift and during my day off. I make sure that I get adequate rest between sessions, so that I don’t strain or injure myself.
What’s your top tip for those who want to keep fit?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping fit. My advice is to find an activity that you enjoy doing. Even if it’s just one activity, stick to it. Doing something that you enjoy helps you to maintain consistency and motivated to reach your goals!
What do you have to say to women who are thinking of joining the SPF?
At present, there are more than 1,800 female officers in the SPF. Female officers serve in practically every unit. If male officers are expected to scale a wall while bearing a 20kg load, female officers will do the same. If you train hard and work hard, you can achieve anything!
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