Athleaks

Shannon Tan: Small Goals for my Olympic Dream

Written by Team SG | Aug 16, 2024 5:54:04 AM

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been consumed by golf. In 2016, when I was 12 and my peers were more concerned with the PSLE, I was found on the greens almost every day. That year, I followed the Olympics in Rio, as golf made a return to the Games. I watched the likes of Park Inbee and Lydia Ko on television and thought to myself: I want to be like them.

In the years since, I put in countless hours – driving, putting, grinding as I pursue golf with a single-minded passion. My big dreams were driving me, but my “small goals” mindset was keeping me grounded. I’ve always believed that if I focus just on each shot before me, eventually, the small steps will lead me to a big outcome. A pro card, a win on tour, and now, a place in history as Singapore’s first golfer at the Olympic Games.

When I tee off in Paris, I will continue to keep my eyes on the greens ahead of me. But I also hope there will be young golfers at home looking on at me, like I once watched others. I hope they know this: no dream is impossible.