True heroes Down Under
Newenham lauds Chong Wei and Soniia’s dedication
ONE is disciplined and the other knows how to manage an injury.
Veteran Lee Chong Wei and Soniia Cheah have been given the thumbs up for their dedication – especially at the Commonwealth Games.
Podium Programme director Tim Newenham said the 35-year-old Chong
Wei was able to prolong his career because of his discipline and should be emulated.
“He is an unbelievable athlete, he has extended his life in the sport through his discipline,” said Newenham during a press conference to review the performances of athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
“When we got back from the 2016 Rio Olympics, he was the first athlete to be back in training.
“That’s his dedication, he’s fully dedicated to the task at hand and will give his best – here (in Gold Coast) and the Asian Games (in Indonesia in August), and every other tournament in between, which are many.
“Obviously at his age, he is near the end of his playing years but he is not finished yet.
“It’s only through his discipline in training, stretching and recovery work that he is able to play at this level.”
Meanwhile, chef de mission Huang Ying How said they had not put Soniia’s health at risk by fielding her in the women’s singles and doubles events.
She hurt her ankle during the mixed team competition.
“Soniia did well to give Saina Nehwal a good fight (in the team final against India) a day after
her injury. She has been cleared to play,” said Ying How.
“Our priority is the athlete and we’ve taken into account the risk of long-term performance because of injuries.
“Soniia knows how to manage herself. There is zero risk on Soniia being involved in two events.
“If there is any risk, I’ll be the first one to pull her out.”
Yesterday, Chong Wei and Soniia reached the men and women’s singles quarter-finals after winning their respective third-round matches.
Chong Wei defeated Brian Kasirye of Uganda to set up a meeting against Loh Kean Yew of Singapore while Soniia will take on Michelle Li of Canada.
She had beaten Grace Chua of Singapore 21-11, 21-12.