On 2 September 2024, at the Paris Paralympics, Singapore made history when Jeralyn Tan clinched silver in the women’s individual BC1 boccia event—marking the nation’s first-ever Paralympic medal in boccia. Facing eventual champion Aurélie Aubert of France, she narrowly lost 5–4 in a hard-fought final at the South Paris Arena, showcasing tenacity and composure under immense pressure.
Tan’s podium finish places her among an exclusive group: she becomes only the fourth Singaporean Paralympian medalist, joining luminaries like Yip Pin Xiu, Theresa Goh, and equestrian Laurentia Tan. This historic milestone signals Singapore’s expanding prowess beyond traditional Paralympic sports.
The Road from Cerebral Palsy to Silver in Paris
Born with cerebral palsy, Jeralyn began her journey with boccia in 2008 as a student at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) School. Initially classified in BC2, she competed in regional events including the ASEAN Para Games, which earned her early medals and even bronze at international events like the BISFed regional opens by 2018.
By 2015, she transitioned to the BC1 classification, where she works with an assistant. Under long-term guidance from coach Yurnita Omar, Tan sharpened her technical and mental game, leading to podium finishes: gold at the Asia-Oceania Regional Championship in 2021, world cup titles in 2023 and early 2024, and ultimately her breakthrough in Paris.
Paris Finals: Narrow Margin, Tremendous Heart
In the BC1 final, Tan faced local favourite Aurelie Aubert, ranked world No. 16, and fell behind quickly with a 0–5 deficit after two ends. Yet she staged a spirited comeback—scoring three points in the third end and keeping hopes alive into the final round.
She needed two points in the last end to tie, but her final shot just missed the mark—securing a narrow 5–4 loss, and earning silver. Despite the bittersweet outcome, Tan emerged from Paris as a champion in spirit—cementing her legacy and elevating boccia’s profile in Singapore.
A Legacy for Inclusion, Sport, and Hope
Jeralyn Tan’s silver medal transcends sport. It embodies hope, inclusion, perseverance, and national pride. For many Singaporeans, her win is a vivid reminder that limitations don’t define potential—and that inclusivity in sport widens the definition of excellence.
As Singapore turns 60, Tan’s story becomes part of a broader national narrative—one where excellence emerges from unexpected places, and where perseverance—against the odds—becomes inspiration for all.
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