lee chong wei

For a boy who preferred playing basketball in his youth, Dato' Lee Chong Wei has since come a long way for both badminton and Malaysia. Born in George Town, Penang, Chong Wei had developed an early love for sports - playing basketball. He eventually quit the game at the request of his mother, whom disapproved of him playing in outdoor courts amidst sweltering afternoon heats. His passion for sports never faltered during this time and he soon found a game that could satisfy both him and his mother. At the age of 11, with the encouragement of his father, Lee Chong Wei discovered badminton. A true sports talent, Chong Wei immediately picked up the game and spent hours training after school in order to excel.

The trainings after school brought out the best in Chong Wei and at the age of 17, he was spotted by Misbun Sidek and drafted into the Malaysian national badminton squad. It was with training that Lee Chong Wei pushed himself to be a top notch player, undergoing gruelling daily training sessions. These sessions included rigorous fitness regimes and multiple sparring with up to three opponents on court simultaneously.

Unbeatable within Malaysian territory for 3 years (2004-2006), Lee Chong Wei bagged his first 5-star event in the Danish open in 2005. His track record consists of a slew of wins including 5 Super Series titles.

Numerous titles and an Olympic silver later, Lee Chong Wei is now loved as one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and successful athletes. His great efforts in the 2008 Olympics have resulted in him being conferred with a 'Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN)', which carries the title Datuk. He is also currently the world number one singles player and is set to win the upcoming 2008 BWF Super Series Masters Finals held on home soil in December.
Even with all his wins and titles, Dato' Lee Chong Wei still remains modest and humble, epitomising the ultimate Malaysian role model. "Malaysia Boleh!"