After winning the world title, he had to wait 883 days for his next trophy. Over time, it became clear that the weight of expectations was the price of success.
“I thought before that (maybe) I won the title too soon…but I guess it's better to be early than not,” Law said.
“It was a good opportunity, and…I seized the opportunity. I can't say the win was a curse because sooner or later I should have had to deal with it.”
He continues to trust in the process and in head coach Ho as an essential support system.
“A big part of who I am today is because of him,” Law added.
Ho said the goal for Paris is to add different dimensions to his game and make him a more complete player.
“We're going to need him to be consistent in his offensive game play. At the same time, we're going to have to work on his defensive drills (and) so he can play against opponents that are difficult to play. Whenever we do… we are able to defend and we are ready,” the coach added.
deal with pressure
When it comes to big events like the Olympics, it's “everyone's game,” Lo said.
It was Guatemalan badminton player Kevin Cordon who upset the apple cart in the last tournament.
Cordon defeated Hong Kong's Ng Karon in the group stage and advanced to the semi-finals. The experienced 37-year-old ultimately finished fourth.
“There are a lot of upsets in big tournaments because the more you want it, the harder it is to perform.
“So it's all about how every player handles their pressure and who can perform at their best.”
Honing your mental game is key, and Roe has worked with sports psychologists for many years.
“Everyone knows that (the mental part) is the toughest part of an athlete's life,” he said.
“There have been a lot of ongoing challenges psychologically, mentally or emotionally over the past couple of years.”
No longer a plucky underdog, the Singaporean will head to Paris as a seasoned candidate with a long-held goal of winning an Olympic medal.
While others may be studying his game, Law hasn't stopped and has figured out some things, too. He has the hope of learning, growing, and being ready.
