2024 ST Athlete of the Year nominee: Jeralyn Tan

Q: What do you love most about boccia?

Besides the excitement of going to overseas competitions, I enjoy meeting new friends and trying new food in different countries. The best part is that I get to travel and explore new countries together with my team, coach and caregiver.

Q: What’s the most unexpected thing that has happened to you during a competition?

It was when my father accompanied me to an overseas competition for the first time. During my final match, he was standing in the spectator stands. He clapped non-stop throughout my entire match.

It was unexpected because usually supporters will only clap for a good shot. It made me and my coach happy, and motivated us throughout the competition!

Q: If you had a theme song for boccia, what would it be?

I would want it to be Fight Song by Rachel Platen, because the song is all about fighting and turning my power on! I think that the lyrics are so motivating.

Q: What’s one thing about boccia that people don’t know?

It’s not as easy as it might look. The little things matter: a millimetre this way or that, the roll of the court, the hardness and texture of the ball, among other factors.

Boccia is a sport that requires strategy, precision and control, and it takes a lot of hard work to compete at the highest level.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your career, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge in my boccia career was staying committed and motivated for so many years without a breakthrough performance.

I started competing seriously in 2008, and for more than 10 years, I trained hard but didn’t achieve major results. It was difficult to keep going when progress felt slow, and sometimes I doubted myself.

But I didn’t give up. I kept training, kept improving, and in 2021, I finally had a breakthrough when I won a gold at the Asian-Oceania Regional Championships in Dubai. That win proved that my hard work was worth it.

After that, winning World Boccia Cup titles and becoming world number one was something I never thought would happen. I couldn’t have done this alone.

My school, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, Singapore Disability Sports Council, and Tiger Balm, a strong supporter of boccia, believed in me and provided the training, competitions, and equipment I needed for so many years before I received the spexScholarship. Their support kept me going, and I’m really grateful for this journey that led me to where I am today.

Q: Winning a Paralympic silver medal is a huge achievement, how has it changed your perspective on the sport and your goals for the future?

Winning the silver medal at the Paralympics was a very special experience for me. I’m glad that I found this sport that I enjoy so much and that I can excel in and make not only my friends and family proud but Singapore proud as well.

I also want to use my journey to encourage more people with disabilities to try the sport... because boccia has changed my life in ways I never expected.

Q: What advice you would give to aspiring para-athletes?

Work very hard - I mean, super hard. But don’t forget to have fun as well because it’s important to have a good balance in life. Remember also to take care of your mental health and the rest will follow.

Q: You made quite a few knick-knacks with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) for sale, what was the motivation behind them?

I love to design merchandise. It keeps me occupied and happy to be able to contribute to (CPAS) and to be with friends. I design and produce mouse pads, keychains, coffee mugs and tote bags, as well as T-shirts that I take pride in wearing for training.

Q: If you could invite any Singaporean celebrity to try boccia with you, who would it be?

The actors from ‘Ah Boys to Men’. I enjoyed watching the movie and it made me happy. I also appreciate that they worked very hard to make a good movie.

Achievements in 2024: