Don't be sorry, champ

Loyar Burok Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Loyar Burok

Datuk Lee, being a champion that he is, tweeted “I’m sorry”. You don’t have to be. You are a true Malaysian hero.

In Datuk Lee, we were united. United in hopes and prayers that he would win gold, if not for Malaysia then for himself, for he deserves it. The hopes of badminton in Malaysia have rested on his shoulders for the longest time with the top men’s doubles pairing of Koo Kien Kiat and Tan Boon Heong proving to be nothing more than empty promises; not to mention the slow disappearance of our ladies shuttlers.

Carrying the entire nation on his back, Datuk Lee has stayed world number one for nearly 6 years, a feat most believe will never be emulated by another Malaysian anytime soon. Some say he cracks under pressure, but in truth he has nerves of steel many do not see. One cannot possibly imagine having to bear the pressure of millions of people placing their dreams on one man, but Datuk Lee has done it time and time again, in the Olympics, the Commonweatlh Games, the Thomas Cup, and the World Championships.

His determination and pain was clear to see in probably his last ever participation at the Olympics.

Malaysians took to the web to show their support and continuing adoration for Datuk Lee. There have been more than ten thousand retweets of his apology with consoling replies, while many others have posted the same sentiments on Facebook.

Even in defeat, Datuk Lee, you have done the nation proud.

So you don’t ever have to say sorry.

Read more HERE.