Adele Tan Qian Xiu OLY (born 31 March 1999) is a Singaporean Olympic shooter known for her remarkable journey in the sport and her candid advocacy for mental health. She represented Singapore in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, achieving national records and becoming a source of inspiration through her athletic performance and personal resilience.

Early Career and Rapid Rise

Tan’s interest in shooting started when she was 12, after participating in a school competition. Her natural talent quickly earned her a place at the Singapore Sports School, where she began serious training. By 2012, Tan was a member of the National Shooting Team, marking the beginning of a promising career.

In 2017, Tan showcased her abilities on the international stage by finishing fifth in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the Asian Shooting Championships in Wako, Japan. A turning point came in 2020 at the H&N Cup in Munich, where she scored 252.7 points, winning gold and setting a new national record for Singapore. This victory further established her as one of the country’s top shooters.

Adele Tan Qian Xiu: Basic Information

Adele Tan Qian Xiu Acheivements

2020 H&N Cup: Gold in 10m Air Rifle Women (New National Record)

2022 SEA Games: 2 Bronze Medals

2020 Tokyo Olympics: 21st in Women’s 10m Air Rifle (Best finish for Singapore)

Olympic Dream and Singapore’s Best Finish

After an 18-month-long Olympic Selection Trial, Tan was selected to represent Singapore at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Competing in the women’s 10m air rifle event, she finished 21st with a score of 625.3, marking the best-ever Olympic performance by a Singaporean shooter. This historic finish brought her national attention and cemented her status as a rising star in the shooting world.

Personal Struggles and Mental Health Journey

Despite her successes, Tan faced personal challenges in balancing the pressures of elite sport and her academic life. As a student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), majoring in psychology, she experienced anxiety and self-doubt, particularly after a disappointing performance at the 2022 SEA Games, where she failed to make the finals. This experience triggered panic attacks and moments of blackout before competitions, leading her to take a break from the sport for several months.

During this period, Tan sought support from her sports psychologist, Harry Lim, and her coach, Kirill Ivanov. Their guidance helped her rebuild her confidence and mental resilience. Through therapy, Tan learned to separate her self-worth from her performance, adopting a more compassionate approach to herself and her career.

Mental Health Advocacy and Speaking Out

Tan’s journey of recovery inspired her to speak openly about mental health, particularly the pressures athletes face in their quest for perfection. She has become an advocate for better mental health support in sports, emphasizing the need to focus on well-being over results. Drawing inspiration from prominent athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, Tan encourages others to seek help when needed, sharing her own experiences to break the stigma surrounding mental health in competitive sports.

Continued Career and Shift to 50m Rifle 3 Positions

In 2023, Tan transitioned to the 50m rifle three positions (3P) event. Competing at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, she faced initial challenges but rebounded with strong performances, reflecting her renewed mindset and determination to excel. Throughout her journey, she continues to balance her passion for shooting with her commitment to maintaining her mental well-being.

Conclusion

Adele Tan’s story is one of perseverance and courage, both in and out of the shooting range. From setting national records and representing Singapore at the Olympics to confronting and overcoming mental health struggles, she has emerged as a powerful advocate for both athletic excellence and self-care. Tan’s openness about her mental health journey serves as an important reminder that the strength to succeed often comes from within, and seeking help is a vital step in that process.

Her advocacy and achievements, both on the international stage and in her personal growth, ensure that her legacy extends far beyond her medals. As she continues her career, Adele Tan remains an inspiration to athletes and individuals facing their own battles with pressure and performance.