Lee: Don’t be anxious, aim for gold!
Lee shares amusing story to motivate Malaysian Olympians
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s former world No. 1 and legendary badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei shared an amusing personal tale to motivate the country’s Olympians.
Taking to Facebook, he recalled his Olympic debut in 2004 against a Hong Kong player.
“In my first Olympics facing off against Ng Wei of Hong Kong, my hands were shaking from nerves.
“I was drenched in sweat and my shirt kept getting wet, and my mind was a total mess.
“My coach saw how nervous I was, so he called the Team Malaysia psychologist to have a chat with me,” he wrote on the social media platform on Friday.
A man soon approached and offered some calming words to the shuttler, then aged 22.
“This guy came over and immediately held my hand, and started to give me a pep talk.
“He said, ‘Jason, don’t be nervous. I know it’s your first time. But Jason, strengthen your mind and emotions. Don’t be anxious,’” recounted Lee, who later went on to become Malaysia’s most successful Olympian to date, bagging three silver medals.
“I looked at the coach, and the coach looked at me. We were both confused. Since when was my name Jason?
“I corrected him, ‘Hey brother, I’m not Jason.’ And he replied, ‘I know, Jason is my name. I’m nervous too. This is my first time being the psychologist for such a big event. So before I motivate you, I have to motivate myself’.”
Lee said both of them then laughed hysterically, and Lee’s nerves melted away in that instant.
He added that it could be the psychologist’s unique way of doing things.
To Malaysia’s athletes currently fighting for personal and international glory in the Paris Olympics, Lee has this to say: “Don’t be anxious, aim for gold!”
Lee’s little anecdote sparked much interest about Jason among social media users.
“Tag that Jason. We want to see his face. Hahaha,” said Maman.
Rizal Rodzuan posted: “Please tag Jason’s Facebook as well; we want to see this funny motivator.”
Muhammad Najih quipped: “Jason pulled off a stunt. Luckily, DLCW could stop laughing in the arena.”
Sufiyan Ismail lauded Jason as “an experienced psychologist ... making the athlete laugh and instantly easing his anxiety. Since time was running out, there wasn’t enough time to talk much ... just make them laugh to relieve stress. The best!”
Paris 2024, which opened on Friday, will go on until Aug 11.
The Malaysian contingent comprises 26 athletes competing in archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, golf, sailing, shooting, diving, swimming and weightlifting.
