Don't worry, Chong Wei tells national athletes in Paris

National badminton icon Lee Chong Wei has advised the 26 Malaysian athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games not to be anxious.

Taking to Facebook, he recalled his Olympic debut in 2008 against Hong Kong’s Ng Wei, who at the time was in his third and last Olympic games.

“I advise athletes not to worry. But it’s actually impossible not to worry,” said Lee, a three-time Olympic silver medalist.

“When I stepped onto the court during my first Olympics, my hands were also shaking with anxiety.

“I was sweating continuously, my mind frazzled. The coach saw that I was nervous and he knew that I was worried.”

Lee said his coach then asked for an official to calm him down, but it turned out that it was also that person’s first time at the games held in Beijing, China.

“This dude came to me. He held my hand to give me words of motivation: ‘Jason, don’t worry. This is your first time, I know. But Jason, be strong mentally and emotionally. Don’t worry.’

“I looked at the coach. Coach looked at me. We wondered, since when was my name Jason?

“I scolded him, ‘Dude, I’m not Jason!’ and he replied, ‘I’m sorry bro, I know, Jason is my name. I’m nervous too. This is my first time as a psychologist for such a big event. So before I motivate you, I motivate myself first’,” recalled Lee.

He said both he and his coach then burst into laughter and his anxiety was forgotten.

“Maybe that’s the psychologist’s own way.

“So don’t worry, go and grab the gold. To all the athletes, show your best for the sake of the badge on your chest.

“Supporters like me, don’t stop praying and supporting so that the national team can return with the country’s first gold. Don’t worry, Malaysia Boleh,” he added.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 27 to Aug 11 and Malaysia will be represented by 26 athletes in archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, diving, golf, sailing, shooting, swimming, and weightlifting.

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