Jeralyn Tan makes history with Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic boccia medal

SINGAPORE: Jeralyn Tan has made history by winning Singapore's first-ever Paralympic medal in boccia, clinching a silver in the women’s individual BC1 final at the Paris Paralympics on Monday (2 September).

The 35-year-old world number 2 narrowly lost to France’s Aurelie Aubert with a score of 4-5 in a thrilling match.

Tan had previously defeated Aubert 6-1 in the preliminary pool round. However, the French world number 16 managed to turn the tables in the final, securing the gold on home soil.

This achievement marks Tan as the fourth Singaporean Paralympic medallist, joining the ranks of swimmers Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh, and equestrian Laurentia Tan.

Ms Tan's coach, Yurnita Omar, took to Facebook to share her excitement about the momentous achievement and reflect on the journey that led to it.

"The Paralympics is a platform that will challenge and test your skills, talent, composure, strength and adaptations," Omar said, emphasizing the significance of the event.

"The final act at ONE major event, Four years of hard work culminate in one platform."

Omar highlighted the immense dedication and effort that athletes and coaches invest in preparing for the Paralympics.

"Many athletes and coaches put in so much effort, hours, energy, time in training to be the best. Sacrificing life simple pleasure. All targeting at the 3 shiny medals."

The coach expressed deep gratitude to the community that supported them throughout their journey.

"To all our loving friends, family and support system from Singapore that was with us from day one. We would like to dedicate the medal to all our Singaporean community"

Reflecting on her performance, Tan expressed her gratitude and determination.

"Thanks for all the supporters who cheered me up. I worked my hardest and gave it my best. I’ll come back and go for it again," she told CNA after the match.

Boccia, a precision sport similar to bowls, is played by athletes with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs.

The game involves throwing or releasing balls towards a white target ball, called a jack.

The objective is to place one’s ball as close to the jack as possible, while also potentially knocking the opponent’s balls away.

Points are awarded based on proximity to the jack, with the player having the most points after four rounds declared the winner.

In the final, Aubert took an early commanding lead of 5-0 after two rounds.

However, Tan mounted a strong comeback, closing the gap to 5-3 by the third round.

Needing two points in the final round to tie, Tan's crucial throw fell just short, missing the opportunity to extend the match and ultimately settling for silver.

Earlier in the competition, Tan had topped Pool B with victories over Aubert and Spain’s Amagoia Arrieta (5-1).

She then went on to defeat Brazil’s world number 1, Andreza Oliveira, 7-5 in the quarter-finals, and secured her place in the final with a 5-1 win over Japan’s Hiromi Endo in the semi-finals.

Tan began her journey in boccia in 2008 as a student at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) School.

Over the years, she has represented Singapore in various international competitions, including the ASEAN Para Games, where she won silver in the women’s BC1 event last year.