PETALING JAYA: Sports psychologist Fred Tan came to prominence by assisting Malaysian legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the vastly experienced mental trainer has been going the extra rounds in guiding the Paris-bound doubles pairs.
Fred had won the trust of Chong Wei during his preparation for Beijing 2008 where he managed to win the first of three consecutive silver medals at the Olympics.
It was little wonder that Chong Wei has recommended the return of Fred to help the current batch of players in January this year.
The current Paris-bound pairs – men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles combo Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles act Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei – have also given the thumbs-up for the colourful Sarawakian’s approach.
From taking Aaron-Wooi Yik for a three-day mental training outdoor event in Penang last month to constantly lifting up the spirits of Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who will be making their debut at the Games, the veteran trainer seems to be doing quite a bit.
Tang Jie, whose performance with Ee Wei had been inconsistent this year, said Fred has been a calming factor as they tried to bounce back from their recent struggles due to the physically and mentally exhausting Olympic qualifying period where they pipped veterans Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie to the sole Malaysian spot in the mixed doubles.
“Personally, I feel a mental trainer is necessary for a player because we always go through ups and downs in our career. Not just in tournaments but also during training sessions and we need someone to discuss our struggles,” said Tang Jie.
“Fred has always supported our growth on and of the court. He is also naturally a positive person and he has spread that mindset to us.”
Fred, who often combines physical activities and mental sessions to motivate the players, has continued his efforts during Malaysia’s 10-day training camp in Aire Sur La Lys in northern France.
The often reserved Wooi Yik has been more outspoken and looks confident while the smiles are back on the faces of all the players heading the Olympics and the camp seems to be providing the needed impact before they depart to Paris.
Fred has done his early work of calming the nerves of the three pairs and his real task will start during the competition at the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle from Juny 27-Aug 5 where they will start battling for medals.
He may have to revisit the days in Beijing and find new ways to help the current batch emulate what Chong Wei had done 16 years ago.
