Singapore Paralympian Jeralyn Tan clinched a historic silver medal in boccia at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on 2 September 2024. This marks Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic boccia medal. Tan faced French para-athlete Aurelie Aubert in a closely contested final, ultimately losing 5-4. With this achievement, Tan becomes Singapore’s fourth Paralympic medallist.
## Background
Jeralyn Tan’s silver medal is a significant milestone for Singapore’s Paralympic history, as it is the nation’s first medal in the sport of boccia. The 35-year-old athlete’s journey to the podium has been marked by perseverance and skill, making her a prominent figure in Singapore’s para-sports community. Boccia, a precision ball sport, is designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy.
## Close final
The final match was a nail-biter. Aubert took an early lead, scoring 2-0 in the first end. By the end of the second end, she extended her lead to 5-0. Tan made a remarkable comeback in the third end, scoring 3 points to narrow the gap to 5-3. Despite her efforts, the match concluded with a 5-4 victory for Aubert after the fourth and final end.
## Her journey to silver
Tan’s path to the silver medal was impressive. In the preliminary rounds, she defeated Aubert 6-1 on 29 August and Spain’s Amagoia Arrieta 5-1 on 31 August. She then triumphed over the world number one, Brazil’s Andreza Oliveira, with a 7-5 victory in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Tan secured her spot in the gold medal match by defeating Japan’s Hiromi Endo 5-1.
Tan began playing boccia in 2008 while attending the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School. She has represented Singapore in the 2015 and 2017 ASEAN Para Games, winning a bronze in the Mixed Team BC1/BC2 event. Currently ranked fourth globally, Tan is the only BC1 female boccia player representing Singapore at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
## How does boccia work?
Boccia, derived from the Italian word meaning “to bowl,” is a sport initially designed for individuals with cerebral palsy. It is now played by athletes with various neurological impairments affecting motor function. The game features four classes based on the type and degree of impairment.
The game begins with a white target ball, known as the jack, being thrown onto the playing field. Players then take turns throwing or rolling six red and six blue balls, aiming to get as close to the jack as possible. Each round, called an “end,” concludes with the player whose ball is closest to the jack scoring one point, plus additional points for each ball closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest ball. A match consists of four ends, and the player with the most points wins.
## Future implications
Tan’s historic achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of para-athletes in Singapore. Her success highlights the potential for growth in para-sports and may lead to increased support and funding for athletes with disabilities. As Singapore continues to make strides in the Paralympic arena, Tan’s silver medal serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience of its athletes. Future developments in para-sports infrastructure and training programmes could further elevate Singapore’s presence on the global stage.
