KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's husband-and-wife duo Terry Hee-Jessica Tan, who have persevered through tragedy to qualify for the Olympics, are committed to making their mark at the Paris Games.
The world No. 17's determination could be bad news for Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
Terry-Jessica are in Group D of the mixed doubles event with Tang Jie-Ee Wei, China's world No. 2 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping, and Vinson Chiu-Jennie Gai of the United States.
Terry-Jessica reached a career-high ranking of 13 in 2022, but a personal tragedy slightly affected their momentum.
Jessica's mother died in February 2023, three months before the Road to Paris qualifying period.
In a video on the National Olympic Council of Singapore's TikTok account, Jessica said it was a trying time for her.
"But in a way, there was no time to waste as the qualification period was about to start.
"I think the main reason why I was still hanging in there was because I didn't want to use this, my mother's death, as an excuse or a reason to give up.
"One of my dreams is to make it to the Olympics, and in a way, I hope that this can make my mother proud," said Jessica, holding back tears.
The pair's Olympic qualification was confirmed in May.
"I think my mum would have said she would be proud of me no matter what," added Jessica.
Terry said: "It's about persevering and giving your 100% in each training session that matters the most because at the end of the day, you don't want to have any regrets."
Terry-Jessica, the semi-finallists at this year's Malaysia Open, will take on world No. 9 Tang Jie-Ee Wei in their opening Group D match at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena on Saturday.