The world No 3 duo fought back from 20-16 down in the second game to force a rubber game and win their match against Denmark’s world No 2 Anders Skaarup Rasmusen-Kim Astrup 16-21, 22-20, 21-19, earning Malaysia its first medal at the Paris Olympics.

Nicol, an eight-time world champion, hailed Aaron-Wooi Yik’s courage and determination in defending their bronze medal – which she said would serve as an inspiration for Malaysians.

“This is a historic comeback from Malaysians at the Olympics that has never been done before,” she said in a Facebook post.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am to see the fight in our Malaysian boys… It was a show of true grit and experience to come back from 20-16 down in the second game with four match points against them.

“They did not falter because they knew what they were capable of, and that comes from experience,” added Nicol.

The 40-year-old Nicol is serving as the country’s deputy chef de mission at the Paris Olympics.

Defending champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan retained their men’s doubles title after beating China’s Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang 21-17, 18-21, 21-19.

Malaysia have another shot at an Olympic bronze medal today when singles star Lee Zii Jia takes on India’s Lakshya Sen at 8.30pm Malaysian time.

Zii Jia lost 21-14, 21-15 to reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in yesterday’s semi-final.

In a separate Facebook post, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh thanked Aaron-Wooi Yik for delivering the country its maiden medal at this year’s Olympics.

Yeoh also said she was glad many young Malaysians watched how the duo put aside their disappointment at failing to reach the final by fighting for every point against the Danes.

“It wasn’t an ordinary win. You resurrected hope in the second game and produced an impossible comeback in the third game,” she said.

“Thank you for not giving up. We love you both.”