Chong Wei recalls defying doctor for epic Lin Dan final

 

Speaking on the "Ngopi Dengan Zafrul" (Coffee with Zafrul) podcast, hosted by BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on YouTube recently, Chong Wei recalled how the injury he suffered during the Thomas Cup quarter-final against Denmark in Wuhan, China, almost brought his career to an end. - Screengrab from YouTube Ngopi Dengan Zafrul and Tengku Zafrul Aziz.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has revealed a doctor had told him not to compete at the 2012 London Olympics because of an ankle injury,

But he did not listen to the doctor and went on to feature in an epic men's singles final against China's Lin Dan.

Speaking on the "Ngopi Dengan Zafrul" (Coffee with Zafrul) podcast, hosted by BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on YouTube recently, Chong Wei recalled how the injury he suffered during the Thomas Cup quarter-final against Denmark in Wuhan, China, almost brought his career to an end.

The right ankle sprain he sustained against Peter Gade resulted in torn ligaments and tendons, and upon returning home, he was told by a doctor that he would have to miss the Olympics.

"The doctor who examined me simply said, 'Chong Wei, you cannot play at the Olympics' - and I just cried. That was my toughest career experience," recalled Chong Wei.

"That's because I wasn't sure if I could play at the 2016 Olympics. This is because an athlete's biggest fear is injury.

"But I just told myself that no matter what happens, I will play at the Olympics."

After intensive rehabilitation and stem cell treatment, Chong Wei raced against time to face Lin Dan in the final, even undergoing treatment during the centralised training stint at the University of Bath ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

Chong Wei gave it his all before losing the epic final 15-21, 21-10, 21-19 to Super Dan.

"I could only play half-court during the 10-day training at Bath and it was still painful. During training at the main court (at Wembley Stadium), I still couldn't train.

"When my wife (Wong Mew Choo) came over to support me, I told her that 'I'm gone at this Olympics.

"Fortunately, my physiotherapist heavily strapped my ankle, advised me to take painkillers, and helped me fight my way through.

"My dream was to win Malaysia's first gold and I went all out but lost the final. That was my toughest journey in my career, " added the three-time Olympic silver medallist.

The 2012 Olympics final ranks as one of the best matches in badminton history and remains a remarkable achievement for Chong Wei, considering the massive struggle he endured before the Games. - NST