Lee seeking golden redemption
Malaysian badminton superstar Lee Chong Wei is taking a final shot at Olympic gold in Rio, desperate to erase past disappointments and a doping episode that blotted one of the sport’s great names.
Malaysia has never won Olympic gold in anything, and the mild-mannered Lee has struggled with the pressure of his nation’s hopes, suffering crushing final defeats to China’s Lin Dan in Beijing and London.
But Rio finds the 33-yearold back in a familiar position — world No 1, looking strong, and an Olympic favorite — and he has made clear his obsession to bring home gold this time.
“This is not only my dream but also the dream of all Malaysians,” said Lee. “I have to make the best preparation since this is my last Olympic Games.”
Lee’s trophy case is packed with virtually every piece of badminton silverware available, but no Olympic or world championship. Those failures haunt him.
In particular, the heartbreaking losses to long-time nemesis — and close friend — Lin in the thrilling 2008 and 2012 Olympic singles finals clearly wounded Lee, and after London many began writing his career epitaph. Things would get worse. Lee, then world No 1, tested positive for a forbidden antiinflammatory drug at the 2014 world championships. Facing a two-year ban, he fretted bleakly that his Olympic dream was dead.
But badminton authorities eventually accepted his explanation that he took the drug inadvertently amid stem cell treatment for a thigh injury.
The episode sidelined him for eight months, however, and he slid down the world rankings.
Lee launched a gritty comeback after returning to the court a year ago, recapturing his dominant form — and last month the world’s top ranking.
Rio now raises the tantalizing prospect of another titanic clash with Lin, regarded by some as the greatest badminton player ever.
The rivalry is accentuated by their opposite personas: Lee, methodical and unassuming; Lin, fiery and charismatic.
Also in the Rio mix is Chinese world No 2 Chen Long, who has proven formidable.
Lee is famed for intense training and has made clear his feverish desire for a gold medal during weeks of grueling workouts near Kuala Lumpur.
Already possessing a dazzling array of weapons ranging from lightning-quick defense to powerful, deep smashes, he spends hours daily on those skills and on honing his deft footwork.
Lee has acknowledged that Lin once again poses his greatest obstacle and has focused particularly on his stamina and mental toughness ahead of Rio, said his coach, Indonesian former world champ Hendrawan.
“Chong Wei is not young, so he has to use his energy efficiently. He is also being pre- pared to handle pressure and to stay focused,” Hendrawan said.
Lee is a national hero in Malaysia, which has an otherwise weak sporting history.
In a sign of his status, his 2012 marriage to former national singles player Wong Mew Choo was attended by the Malaysia’s king, queen and prime minister.
In Rio, Lee will lead the Malaysian delegation into the opening ceremony, bearing the nation’s flag and, once again, an expectant country’s hopes.