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Lee Chong Wei turns 35 today. After 18 years in the national team, he is still hailed as one of the top players in the world. The three-time Olympic silver medallist shares with Starsport’s RAJES PAUL his birthday wish, dream, future and thoughts about hi
Q: Happy birthday Chong Wei. How does it feel to celebrate your 35th birthday and is still regarded as a top player?
A: I can’t believe it. I have dedicated half of my life to badminton. I’ve been with Badminton Association of Malaysia for 18 years. I’ve made it to 100 finals in international tournaments. There have been ups and downs but I’ve remained as one of the longest serving players. I lost in Denmark but I’m hoping to get it right at the French Open next week. It has been a rollercoaster ride for me lately but I’m still enjoying the game.
Q: What is the key factor that made you last this long?
A: It has to be the strong support from my family. My wife Wong Mew Choo has been a pillar of strength and my two boys are my joy. They are always by my side through good or bad times. Mew Choo has made my birthday special this year. She planned a surprise party at the stadium with my teammates. She also left a gift on my bed – a bag that I’ve been eyeing. It’s that little things she does that gives me plenty of joy.
Q: What is your birthday wish?
A: There’s more than one. For a start, it’ll be nice to have a baby girl (burst into laughter).
It’ll be great if I can qualify for my fifth Olympics (Tokyo 2020). Just being there would be great. I was at the 2004 Athens Games but didn’t win any medal. I won three silvers (2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio). At my age, it’s getting tougher. I still have the fire in me to excel and I will try and continue trying. That’s my character.
Q: What has changed you over the years?
A: I can’t play like a 25-year-old now, that’s for sure! Physically still good but need to keep up with the speed. My training approach is now different. I go for quality rather than spending long hours in training. The way I approach life has also changed. Nowadays, after every tournament, I just look forward to going home to my family. My sons Kingston and Terrance are adorable. My youngest keeps correcting my English – he says I don’t speak well (laughs). I’ve learnt to respect people more as I grow older. I realised that respecting one another takes us far.
Q: There are talks that you should retire. What do you think?
A: I feel that I can still play. I admire Roger Federer. He’s in his 30s too. I read about him and I’m inspired by his determination. Then, there is Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt. Their lives are an inspiration. I will stop when I’m not in good condition.
Q: What about our future players? A: We have potential players but we need to give them time. Juniors like Lee Zii Jia have the talent and we must give them space to grow. We praise players too much and when they lose, we give them a hard time. There should be a balance.
Q: How influential are the coaches in your career?
A: I’ve been under many coaches. There is my junior coach Teh Peng Huat. Coaches at the academy – Kok Tek Seng, Koay Kar Lin and Sufian Abu Bakar. The national coaches – Datuk Misbun Sidek, Morten Frost, Li Mao, Kwan Yoke Meng, Tey Seu Bock, Rashid Sidek and Hendrawan. I’m happy that Seu Bock received a Datukship for guiding me to two Olympic silvers and I’m glad Hendrawan has received his PR (permanent resident) status recently. My success is due to team effort. I wouldn’t be here without their contributions and I want to thank each one of them.