In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Malaysia's top men's badminton player, Lee Zii Jia, secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. This achievement marks the first time Lee has stood on an Olympic podium, a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
During a heartfelt interview on \"Talk Sports\" with CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan, Lee opened up about his challenging journey. \"In recent years, after becoming a professional badminton player, there was a time when I almost gave up on my badminton career,\" he confessed. Lee described a period where every time he stepped on the court, he felt unhappy and disconnected from the sport he once loved.
However, 2024 proved to be a turning point. Lee won two titles, secured a second-place finish, and ultimately earned the Olympic bronze medal. \"I think I did okay. I have always been searching for consistency in my competitions,\" he reflected. Despite falling short in the semifinals, Lee treasures his bronze medal and feels grateful for not giving up.
Lee also acknowledged the efforts of his opponents, highlighting the competitive spirit that drives athletes to excel. \"I think about how my other opponents tried so hard, and didn't get to where I was,\" he said, mentioning China's Shi Yuqi and Denmark's Anders Antonsen as examples. This competitive environment pushed Lee to give his all during crucial matches.
When evaluating his performance in 2024, Lee noted that he has met his baseline objectives but remains ambitious. \"I hope next year I can aim higher and achieve better results,\" he stated, emphasizing his continuous pursuit of excellence.
A significant part of Lee's success can be attributed to his coach, Wong Tat Meng, who is departing from the team. Lee expressed deep gratitude, saying, \"He helped me get my first Olympic medal after just a year-and-a-half. So I really want to thank him.\" Wong's guidance was instrumental in elevating Lee to the ranks of the world's top players.
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Olympic badminton bronze medalist Lee Zii Jia discusses Paris 2024
cgtn.com
