As good as over

Jin Wei says time’s not on her side to qualify for Olympics

PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Goh Jin Wei (pic) admits her Olympic dream is as good as over.

The 19-year-old, who has been battling a stomach ailment, has not taken part in any tournaments since the one-year qualification period for next year’s Tokyo Games started in May.

She is currently contemplating whether to go for surgery or not – but whatever decision she makes, Jin Wei said time is against her to qualify for her first Olympics.

Jin Wei has returned to full-time training since early this month but has yet to take part in a competitive tournament.

“I’m feeling better now and able to resume my regular training,” said the two-time world junior champion.

“My condition is now probably at 80%. I’ll not return to competition unless I get back to 100% and I don’t think coach Bock (Datuk Tey Seu Bock) will allow me to play either.

“I’m currently relying on high dosage of medication to treat my disease and I’m still undecided whether to undergo surgery.”

Jin Wei consulted a doctor last Tuesday and was advised to go for surgery if she harboured hopes of prolonging her badminton career.

“If I don’t go for the surgery, I’ll step up my effort to get back into shape and try to get my Olympic qualifying bid back on track.

“But I’ve to be realistic as well. Time is not on my side as the qualification period has already reached the halfway mark and I’ve yet to play in a single tournament.

“I’m just going to give it a try without really putting much expectations.”

Jin Wei is cool over the prospects of missing out on her Olympic debut, saying that health mattered most to her now.

“When I found out that I was suffering from this ailment (in April), I struggled to accept it because it was just before the Olympic qualifying period started,” said Jin Wei.

“But it didn’t take long for me to realise that badminton has to take a back seat. Health is important to me.”

Jin Wei’s four months of inactivity saw her drop 10 rungs to No. 35 in the latest world rankings, and could slip outside of the top-40 after she failed to defend her points in the ongoing China Open this week.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) however, appear hopeful for Jin Wei to defend her women’s singles gold medal at the Philippines SEA Games from Nov 30-Dec 11 after naming her in the squad last month.