Quest Alumni Journeys Series

For Samuel Lim, better known in the fitness world as “That Uncle Sam”, life has always been about grit, growth and giving back. A proud Queenstown Secondary School alumnus from the Class of 1998 and a UMWF/CMC2025 U79kg weightlifting champion and current World Record holder, Samuel is widely recognised as a pioneer of CrossFit in Singapore. He is the founder of Fire City and an inspiring figure in the local wellness scene, where he has built a strong community rooted in resilience, inclusivity and a passion for fitness.

Lessons From Struggle

Samuel’s journey from a Queenstown student to athlete and CrossFit coach was far from straightforward. He recalls that academics were not his strongest suit, and his early years in the workforce were filled with challenges in communication and adapting to new environments. Yet it was these struggles that shaped him. Through reflection, observation and determination, he honed the mindset and life skills that would later define his career and character.

A Memory of Courage and Trust

One of Samuel’s fondest memories was leading his Computer Club team in a robotics competition. Faced with a strategy advised by an external consultant that did not sit right with them, Samuel and his teammates made the bold choice to chart their own approach. The risk paid off, with the team emerging as event champions. More than the victory, what stayed with Samuel was the quiet support of their teacher-in-charge, Mdm Mabel Goh. “Her trust and the team’s loyalty taught me that integrity and unity are worth hanging on tightly to, even when the path is difficult,” he shares.

From National Colours to FireCity

As a Peer Support Leader under the late Mrs Kor Lai Fong, Samuel also learned a lesson that has never left him:

“Freedom to choose is a gift, but every decision brings consequence, and we must be ready to live with its impact on ourselves and others.” 

It was a principle that gave him both choice and responsibility. It shaped the way he leads, works and lives today.

Samuel’s drive and discipline carried him into the world of competitive sports, where he found his calling in weightlifting. His dedication and perseverance on the platform deepened his passion for strength and movement, allowing him to inspire others through his commitment to training, health, and community.

In founding Fire City, Samuel built more than a gym. He built a family. Known affectionately as “Uncle Sam” in the community, he focuses on creating an environment where everyone, from youths to seniors, can feel included, empowered and supported. When we visited Samuel at his gym, he was in the middle of coaching while working out alongside his students. With the sound of his favourite 90s Mandarin pop playing in the background, we witnessed first-hand the trust and connection he has built with them. “Community is what keeps me going,” he once shared. 

“If I see you’re going to be here tomorrow, I want to be here as well.”

Reaffirming his belief in community, Samuel sees training as a two-way commitment. His drive is strengthened not only by his own ambitions but by the presence of others. One-to-one sessions allow him to share the value of fitness with greater clarity and impact.

Roots and Friendships That Endure

Looking back, Samuel admits that secondary school was not always easy for him, but those years mattered. “Your teenage years matter. Use them to build the mindset, skills and habits that will carry you for life,” he advises. He emphasises that passion only burns when fuelled with determination, and that consistency and diligence are what build resilience and confidence.

Despite his busy schedule, Samuel has never forgotten his roots. Since 1998, he and his Queenstown Secondary classmates have kept a tradition of visiting their Sec 3/4 Chinese teacher, Mr Goh Saye Wee, every Chinese New Year. It is a tradition that has lasted 27 years and counting. Beyond festive visits, they continue to gather for dinners, weddings, baby showers and catch-ups. Their enduring friendship, kept alive through regular meetups and an active group chat, is something Samuel deeply treasures.

Samuel’s journey shows that success is not defined only by medals or titles, but by the lives touched along the way. From his days at Queenstown Secondary to his role as a trainer, he continues to prove that passion, fuelled with determination, can build both strength and community.