So, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, kicked off on Friday (July 26) and Malaysians have since been tuning in to watch our Malaysian athletes battle it out in various sporting events to win gold for our country.
This, though, can be very nerve-racking for our athletes as the eyes of all Malaysians are on them in the world’s biggest sporting competition.
As someone who understands how they may be feeling, legendary Malaysian badminton player, Datuk Lee Chong Wei took to his Facebook page to share some words of encouragement to the local athletes who are participating in the 2024 Olympics.
He wrote, “The time has arrived again. Once every 4 years, we witness again the greatest sporting event! Together, we roar like tigers, relentless in our pursuit of greatness. All our Malaysian hearts beat as one, and with each stride, each leap, we carry the hopes of a nation to win that elusive gold.”
“This is our time, this is your time, this is your destiny. Go all out and leave nothing in the tank. Come on, Team Malaysia! Show the world the power of our unity and spirit!”
But wait, that’s not all.
In true Datuk Lee Chong Wei fashion, he also decided to share a hilarious throwback story from his very first Olympic Games back in 2008.
Having been understandably nervous, someone was called in to help motivate him. But, little did he realise that the person needed to motivate themselves first because they, too, were nervous!
“I advise the athletes not to panic. But, it’s impossible not to panic. When I entered the court during my first Olympics, despite meeting Ng Wei from Hong Kong, my hands were shaking because of anxiety. My sweat didn’t stop soaking my clothes. My mind was a mess,” he said.
His coach had noticed this and decided to call Team Malaysia’s counsellor, to assist with speaking with him and hopefully help to calm him down.
“The counsellor approached me and held my hand to give me a motivational speech. ‘Jason, don’t panic. I know this is your first time. But, Jason, strengthen yourself mentally and emotionally. Don’t panic‘. I looked at my coach, my coach looked at me. We were surprised. Since when has my name been ‘Jason’?”
“I told him, ‘Weyh, brother, I’m not Jason‘.
He responded, ‘I know. Jason is my name. I’m also nervous. This is my first time counselling for such a big event. So, before I motivate you, I need to motivate myself first‘.
Me and my coach laughed like monkeys. My anxiety immediately vanished,” Datuk Lee Chong Wei added.
We’re happy that Datuk Lee Chong Wei managed to get over his nerves thanks to the antics of the counsellor and we hope that the Malaysian athletes currently competing in Paris will also let go of their nerves and breathe easy knowing that the entirety of Malaysia has their backs!
Have any words of encouragement for our athletes competing in the 2024 Olympic Games? Do feel free to share in the comment section.
Also read: 17yo Chinese Badminton Rising Star Collapses Mid-Match in Indonesia & Passes Away
