KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David wants national women’s badminton doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah to “reflect with pride” on what they accomplished at the Paris Olympics.
Nicol, serving as the deputy chef de mission for the Malaysian contingent, shared her heartfelt message on Facebook.
Despite their loss in the bronze medal playoff against Japan’s Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, which meant they finished fourth, Pearly and Thinaah made history as the country’s first women’s doubles team to advance to the semi-finals of the Olympics.
“I wish I could say something that could lift your spirits, but I know all too well losing is painful. I saw it in your eyes when the match ended, and I knew exactly that heartbreaking feeling of defeat.
“A few weeks ago, you were battling injuries, sickness, and frustration, but what I admire about you two is that you have each other’s backs and trust each other.
“You both started the Olympics seeded outside the Top 8 in the world and yet you made history by becoming the first women’s pair to enter a semifinal in the Olympics. You made the world number one pair tremble to their feet, and you got 4th place.
“The semi-finals were brutal, and you both put everything you had out there, everything to reach that final and poured yourselves out.
“I know that feeling of just pushing so hard and having nothing left, but nonetheless, you persevered and still fought your last match,” Nicol wrote.
Highlighting their sportsmanship, Nicol recounted the moment after their match ended and called them “legends”.
“When your match ended, you both crossed the court and hugged your opponents with love and kindness.
“That act said it all to me – it was gracious, humble, and beautiful because, in your darkest moment, you were better people.
“You both showed what true sportsmanship is all about and that moment will forever define you.
“You both are legends because you showed Malaysia and the world what values you two are made of, and I for one couldn’t be more proud.”
Before Pearly and Thinaah’s remarkable run, Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei were the only other Malaysian women’s doubles pair to reach the knockout stage.
They were defeated in the quarter-finals by eventual gold medallists Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi of Japan at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. – August 4, 2024