Gold standard
FOR Malaysia’s adored Datuk Lee Chong Wei, the year 2016 is simply unforgettable.
At 34, when many would have hung their racquets, the world No. 1 ended the year as the most successful Malaysian shuttler by winning the most number of titles and accolades.
He bagged three Superseries titles in Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan – the most number of Superseries titles won this year.
He also emerged as the winner at the Malaysian Masters and the Asian Badminton Championships.
The Penangite also went on to win his third consecutive silver medal at Rio Olympics. It justified his status as one of the most consistent shuttlers over the span of 12 years.
Deservingly, the Badminton World Federation named him Player of the Year and the Olympic Council of Malaysia honoured him as the Olympian of the Year.
More than winning the titles, it was Lee’s steely determination and perseverance to rise from a dark period of his badminton career that won the hearts of many – young and old.
Eighteen months ago, he was just coming out of an eightmonth ban over a doping violation and his future seemed bleak.
Many thought Lee’s career was doomed but he staged a spectacular comeback – rising from a lowly world No. 180 ranking to qualify for the Rio Games as the world No. 1 – just within a year.
And in Rio, Lee buried the ghost of the past by beating his nemesis and two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China in the semi-finals. His tired body however, slumped against the younger and energetic Chen Long in the final and it ended his hope of winning the country’s first Olympic gold.
But the “old man of badminton” is not done yet as he longs for a final shot to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming a world champion.
And if his determination is anything to go by, expect Lee to soar at the World Championships in Glasgow in August next year.