Datuk Lee Chong Wei Retires

Lee Chong Wei on podium. — RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 20: Silver medalist Chong Wei Lee of Malaysia poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men’s Singles Badminton on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro – Pavilion 4 on August 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Datuk Lee Chong Wei retires at the age of 36, today. The news wasn’t a suprise to many, it has been expected.

19 years, that’s a long career in professional badminton, or any sports for that matter. Long was the list of achievements in his sporting career too.

He collected 69 titles, 46 of which were from the Super Series (which has since been revamped to BWF World Tour), and was ranked numero uno of the world for 199 consecutive weeks (four years!), etching a record of 705 wins and 134 losses.

Of those wins, he has never won the Olympic gold medal, nor has he won the World Championship, and he wrote,

“Chong Wei dah cuba sedaya upaya,
Emas Olimpik tidak terdaya,
Kepada semua Selamat Hari Raya,
Mohon maaf atas segalanya,”

to apologise for his shortfalls. One can’t blame him for trying his (very) best, and failing, he is after all, a fellow human being. And one can’t help, but admire his fighting spirit, and undeniable desire to fight to the very end. Alas, this is a fight he cannot win.

For all the years of glorious highs, and (forgiven) depressing lows the nation has been with you in your sporting career Datuk, I say to you, Terima Kasih! There is no shame in losing. I wish you all the best in your next chapter in life.