A sportsman who leads on and off the table
“Rest is not the opposite of training — it is an essential part of it,” says @rp_ssh student Donovan Tan. “By taking things one step at a time and trusting the process, I gradually regained my confidence and returned stronger than before.”
For Donovan, that was a lesson learnt the hard way. A wrist and arm overuse injury during an intense table tennis competition season last year forced him to step away from a sport he'd played since kindergarten. But in that pause, he found a different kind of strength. 💪
As former Men's Team Captain of RP Table Tennis, Donovan made it his mission to reshape the team's culture. He organised bonding activities, encouraged open communication, and built a space where teammates genuinely looked forward to showing up. Under his co-leadership, the RP Table Tennis team clinched the POL-ITE Games championship and finished second at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Games. 🏆
“When I first joined the team in Year 1, everyone just came for training and left straight away,” says the Presbyterian High School alumnus. “Seeing the strong friendships and sense of belonging that grew within the team meant far more to me than any trophy.”
Off the court, Donovan's dedication to the sport and the people around him continued to shine. He showcased table tennis to prospective students at the Open House and championed inclusivity at the THK-EIPIC Sports Day by supporting children with special needs through sport. 🌱
Now in his final year of the Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science, Donovan is driven by a deep curiosity about human performance and a wish to help people move better and live well. Whether as a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, or fitness trainer, he hopes to help everyone from athletes to seniors become stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Congratulations to Donovan on receiving the RP Sportsman of the Year award at the inaugural RP Inspiring Student Excellence (RISE) Awards!
Learn more about the awards and this year's recipients at www.rp.edu.sg/student/rise-awards/.
Reflecting on Donovan Tan’s inspiring journey as a table tennis athlete and leader, it’s clear that true strength goes beyond physical skill—it lies in resilience, leadership, and community building. His injury, a wrist and arm overuse from intense competition, might have sidelined his playing career temporarily, but it became a powerful turning point for growth and reflection. From my own experience playing competitive sports, I’ve seen how injuries can be discouraging, yet Donovan’s story reminds us that rest is a crucial part of training and recovery. Choosing to step back and prioritize healing rather than continuing to push through pain can lead to a stronger comeback. This mindset is essential not only for athletes but anyone facing setbacks in personal or professional life. Donovan’s impact as Men’s Team Captain went beyond technical performance. By organizing bonding activities and encouraging open communication, he fostered a strong sense of belonging on his team. That emphasis on camaraderie over competition alone resonates deeply—when teammates feel truly connected, motivation and performance naturally improve. It’s a lesson I’ve applied in group projects and team sports alike; cultivating trust and friendship enhances the entire experience. The inclusivity Donovan championed, such as supporting children with special needs through sport at THK-EIPIC Sports Day, highlights sport’s power to unite and empower diverse groups. Engaging with the community in this way promotes empathy and social cohesion, reflecting the broader values sports can instill beyond winning trophies. His academic pursuit in Sport & Exercise Science demonstrates a holistic passion for human performance and wellness. Whether working as a physiotherapist or fitness coach, Donovan’s goal to help athletes and seniors alike live healthier lives embodies the positive impact that sports education can have. This aligns with trends in sport science focusing not only on elite athletes but on enhancing quality of life for all ages. Ultimately, Donovan Tan’s story is a compelling example of resilience, leadership, and using sport as a force for good—lessons that can inspire anyone striving to overcome challenges and build meaningful connections along the way.
