KUALA LUMPUR: National contingent deputy chef de mission Datuk Nicol David has paid tribute to women's badminton doubles Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah.
In a posting on Facebook, the former world squash champion said the defeat of the pair to secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics last night should not be seen as failure.
"I wish I could say something that could lift your spirits, but I know all too well losing is painful.
"I wish there were wise words I could say, but I know (there is) nothing I can do (that) will change the sorrow you both are feeling right now.
"I saw it in your eyes when the match ended and I knew exactly that heartbreaking feeling of defeat.
"I know what that feels like and it is a pain one can struggle to let go," she said.
She also said the pair had poured everything into the match despite battling with injuries and sickness a few weeks prior.
"But what I admire (about) about you two is that you have each other's back and trust each other.
"The semifinals were brutal and you both put everything you had out there to reach that final and poured yourselves out.
"I know that feeling of just pushing so hard and having nothing left, nonetheless, you (both) persevered and still fought your last match," she added.
Nicol said the pair had made history by becoming the first women's pair to enter a semifinal in the Olympics, despite being ranked outside of the world's Top 8.
"You made the World No. 1 pair tremble to their feet and you got fourth place.
"The journey has been absolutely beautiful, amazing and you both went through so many challenges the last two years."
Nicol, at the same time, praised the pair's sportsmanship when the match ended last night as they both hugged their 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 a better person, 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 could not be more proud."
21-11, 21-11 to Japan's world No. 4 Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama in the playoff for bronze at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, last night.
The world No. 12 Pearly-Thinaan lost 21-11, 21-11 to Japan's world No. 4 Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama in the playoff for bronze at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, last night.