Champion In Our Hearts

Three times a silver medallist at the Olympics - Beijing, London and now Rio - one must feel for Lee Chong Wei, especially us Malaysians. To come so close to reaching the pinnacle of sport, it must be somewhat disheartening at times for the standard-bearer of Malaysian badminton. However, how many athletes can lay claim to winning three silver medals at three successive Olympic Games?

Sure, there will always be those who have done better, but there are many, many more who will never achieve the level of success that Chong Wei has achieved. He ought to be proud, and so do we. We certainly will him on during important matches, and go along for the emotional ride each time, as individuals and as a nation. 

A champion in our hearts, always.

Chong Wei at Rio 2016.

So Close In Rio

Two gold medal points, that was how close we were to getting our first ever Olympic gold medal. Not fancied to make the men's doubles badminton final, Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong really played their hearts out throughout the tournament. 

The final was a pressure-filled affair which went to three games. Malaysians collectively held our breath when the boys took turns to serve during the two match points. It was not meant to be. Nevertheless, they did us proud by putting their best foot forward. The experience gained in Rio will certainly serve them well in time to come. 

A silver medal is an incredible achievement at the Olympic level. Well done V Shem and Wee Kiong! May the future hold much success. 

Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Another Historic Silver

Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon won a historic silver for the country in the mixed doubles in badminton at Rio2016. Although the entire country was hoping for gold, the display by the pair throughout the tournament is something to be proud of. 

Coming back from injury and beating pairs ranked much higher than them, Liu Ying and Peng Soon certainly brought much excitement to fans back home who were cheering them on. Winning silver when no one expected them to is very much the icing on the cake.

Here's to greater achievements in the future.

Silver medallists at Rio2016. 

Historic Cycling Medal

Azizulhasni Awang became the first Malaysian cyclist to win a medal at the Olympics, capturing bronze in the men's Keirin at Rio2016. It is wonderful to see the strides taken by some of our athletes on the world stage, fulfilling their aspirations and bringing honour to the country at the same time. 

Doing well at the international stage, in particular at the Olympics, generates immense national pride that brings all of us together in celebration. 

Thank you Azizulhasni for bringing us such joy with your performance.

Bronze in Rio2016.

Silver in Rio2016

Pandelela and Jun Hoong earned Malaysia's first medal at Rio2016 and the entire country swelled with pride at their achievement. To see how the country's diving squad has evolved and improved over the years is a testament to the long-term planning and vision of those overseeing the sport. To be on the Olympic podium is a great achievement indeed.

It is during times of such success that the sense of pride and harmony in the country truly comes to the fore, bringing all of us together as one. As the rest of the Malaysian contingent continue to do battle in their respective sporting disciplines in Rio, we will be cheering them on in spirit. 

Malaysia Boleh!

Silver medallists in the women's 10m platform diving.

Smile Medal Winners!

Often at the Olympic Games, it is interesting to see the difference in the attitudes of some athletes when they win silver or bronze rather than gold. Sure, the ultimate goal is to be on top of the podium, but becoming a silver or bronze medallist is a pretty significant feat too I would think. But some of the glum expressions on the lower steps of the podium certainly do not attest to such a narrative. 

With that said, it is therefore extremely uplifting when we see second and third place finishers celebrate with pure joy, honouring the hard work that have been put in and sacrifices that have been made in preparation to be amongst the best in the world. Be it tears brought on by emotion or massive hugs with team-mates, the smiles on the faces of these athletes truly exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship, that having earned a medal is just the icing on the cake, and that the act of participation with one's fellow athletes is what matters more. 

Although no successful sportsman myself, I do believe that the joy of participation is under-rated and should be the focus, rather than just aiming for that Olympic gold medal. For the many who participate and who will never win a medal, I think this certainly holds true. 

Tom Daley and Daniel Goodfellow celebrate winning bronze for Great Britain in the men's platform synchronised diving at Rio 2016.