PARIS Loh Kean Yew was in a rush.
The Paris 2024 badminton venue at Porte de la Chapelle had emptied at close to 10pm, and the Singaporean, fresh off an opening Group M win, could not wait to catch the official bus back to the Olympic Village.
Still, he had a minute for two local fans who waited an hour to meet him, for he knows time - no matter how long or short - can make a world of difference.
From being a fresh-faced underdog who crashed out of the group stage in his Olympic debut in 2021, Loh has come a long way.
Later that year, he rose to stardom by clinching a world championship crown. His number of Instagram followers has risen to 420,000.
The 27-year-old knows he is supposed to be in his sporting prime, should progress from his group, and this could be his best chance of winning a historic Olympic medal for his country.
The arena is packed, his parents are in the stands, he is ready with matching bag and shoes in French colours, the atmosphere is "electrifying".
But he cannot be impatient.
And with calculated calm and composure, Loh beat Czech Republic's 63rd-ranked Jan Louda 21-13, 21-10 on July 28.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin July 30, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin July 30, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Under-16s need more exposure, says fraternity
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Singapore Under-16 football team's defeats at the recent Lion City Cup (LCC), said the community on Oct 8.
Kane given 'all-clear' for Nations League games
LONDON – Captain Harry Kane has been given the green light to remain with England for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Oct 7, after the striker was examined by Football Association (FA) medical staff.
Historic Ohtani 50-50 ball remains in play as auction continues
LOS ANGELES – The owner of the ball that Shohei Ohtani hit for his historic 50th homer of 2024 remains in dispute, but the souvenir will continue to be auctioned off while legal proceedings continue.
DJOKOVIC STORMS PAST COBOLLI
Serb eases into Shanghai Masters last 16 after days of schedule disruption due to rain
France Rugby plans to impose strict discipline
PARIS - French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Grill announced on Oct 7 an overhaul of the system of discipline in the France teams after a summer tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.
CHAMPS GALORE AT SWIM WORLD CUP IN S'PORE
Star-studded cast includes Marchand, Pan, le Clos, McKeown, Zhang and Douglass
BOY XANDER LOOKING FRESH FOR THE TASK
Two-time Kranji winner returns after 29 months out, goes well in training on Oct 8
Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing
The rise of South Korean books about burnout has taken the world by storm.
How is it that Netanyahu is able to keep defying Biden?
The 'tail wagging the dog' situation is not simply about the power of the 'Israel Lobby'. Other factors in the patron-client relationship are in play too.
Most Asean fund managers avoiding new economy firms
Uncertainty over future returns, growth prospects among factors
