The time has come as the Olympics have officially got
underway with the spectecular and eye catching opening ceremony on Friday
night.
I watched the opening ceremony in my hotel room and
this was the third opening ceremony of the Olympics that I failed to
participate and I was sad when watching it over TV as this will be my last
Olympics.
Much effort has been put in by the organisors to
create an event that captures the culture of the British and it was amazing
scenes that I believe were truly appreciated by the audience worldwide.
Though we are not staying at the Games Village, the
organisors have made provisions for teams to stay at a hotel within walking
distance of the Wembley Arena, the venue for the badminton event.
It was delightful to see so many fans making their way
to the stadium on Saturday, the first day of the badminton event. They were
patient although there was a long wait due to the stringent security checks
that they had to undergo.
For us as players, it is always refreshing playing infront
of appreciative fans and also full stadiums and from what I seen so far, the
fans are making a beeline towards Wembley Arena to watch badminton being
contested.
Coming back to my preparations, I have done the best I
can under the circumstances.
Returning from an injury is tough for any athlete and
it was no different for me as there are loads of factors that need to be taken
into account when in rehabilitation.
I have been fortunate that I have had fantastic people
looking after my recovery process, right from the doctors, conditioning
exterts, physiotherapists and massuers from the National Sports Institute. They
have been wonderful and put up with a lot to ensure that I was fit enough and
challenge for gold at the Olympics.
My coaches, Tey Seu Bock and Rashid Sidek have been
preparing me well, keeping me on my toes on the courts and ensuring that I
remained focussed.
They have been spending hours analysing videos of my
potential opponents and Rashid, despite fasting, has been working really hard to
watch the opponents play at the Wembley Arena.
Some have claimed that I am under pressure to deliver.
They are entitled to their opinion as I know my ability and promise the nation
that I will use every ounce of energy to ensure that the hopes and aspirations
of Malaysia are met on August 5, the day of the final.
As I have constantly said, I am taking it one day at a
time but that will not stop me from looking towards August 5. The incentives
are there and the RM2 million gold bar was a welcome surprise.
I know the passion KLRC Chairman Dato Seri Andrew Kam
has for badminton and it’s a timely boost for the badminton players to deliver
at the Olympics.
Chang Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying as well as Tee Jing Yi
may not have had a winning start they were looking for but they played well and
could have won. They still have a chance and I expect them to give it their
best shot in the remaining matches.
As for Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, there is hunger
in their eyes, something not seen of late and they will make the last eight
with relative ease following their workmanlike performances against the
Japanese pair.
I sign off today, looking forward to my first
competetive match on Monday. Stepping on to the courts will
signal my return from injury and the start of my quest for gold.
The prayers of 28 million Malaysians will be my
driving force, with my mother rooting for me in the stands of the Wembley Arena.
Lee Chong Wei.
