SEPANG – There was no hiding Lee Chong Wei’s disappointment upon his return from Rio de Janeiro.
The world No. 1 flashed a weak smile to the crowd who gathered at the Bunga Raya Complex and managed to crack jokes with the media during the press conference on Wednesday.
But there was no mistaking the tinge of sadness after he could only finished second best again – the third time in his fourth and likely last Olympics after losing to two-time world champion Chen Long in the final.
But Chong Wei who turns 34 in October, has another dream to fulfil.
And the Penangite is adamant that if his body and mind allow he will certainly go for the World Championships title in Glasgow, Scotland next year.
Straits Times Graphics
“I gave it my best shot in Rio and I’ll be lying if I say I’m not disappointed to win the gold medal,” said Chong Wei who is also a three-time world meet runners-up.
“It’s definitely very disappointing to get a silver for the third time but right now I’m not thinking too much about it … I just want to have some rest.
“But if I can still walk, jump and run, I’ll definitely want to go for another shot at the world crown.
“I may not be around for the Tokyo 2020 but I really hope Malaysia can win a gold medal then.”
AFP, Reuters, The Straits Times
6.jpg)
Chong Wei also tipped national No. 2 Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin to lead the men’s singles challenge in four years’ time.
“Iskandar was my sparring partner in Rio. He helped me a lot there and I also hoped he learned a lot,” added Chong Wei.
“Hopefully his Rio experience would give him a feel of what it takes to qualify and compete in the Olympics.”
For now, the father of two sons is looking to spend time with his family before returning to action at the Japan Open from Sept 20-25.
