Malaysia’s leading men’s badminton star, lee Zii Jia, has achieved a historic milestone by securing a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. This marks his first-ever podium finish at the prestigious Games, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan on “Talk Sports,” Lee opened up about this monumental achievement and reflected on pivotal moments in his journey. He revealed that his path too success was far from smooth, with moments of doubt and struggle along the way.
“There was a period in my career when I seriously considered walking away from badminton,” Lee confessed. “I felt disconnected from the sport, and stepping onto the court no longer brought me joy. But 2024 turned out to be a turning point. I clinched two titles, secured a runner-up position, and now, an Olympic bronze medal.I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Consistency has always been my focus, and I’m working hard to achieve it.”
For Lee,earning the bronze medal was a deeply emotional experience. Despite the disappointment of falling short in the semifinals, he expressed gratitude for persevering through the challenges.
“I thought about my competitors—players like China’s Shi Yuqi and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen—who gave their all but didn’t make it this far,” said Lee, currently ranked 8th globally.“Their determination reminded me of how lucky I was to have this opportunity. I knew I had to give everything I had to seize the moment and make it count.”
When evaluating his performance in 2024, Lee acknowledged that he had exceeded his initial expectations but still sees room for growth.
“Consistency has been my ultimate goal, and while I haven’t fully mastered it yet, I’m pleased with my progress this year,” Lee explained. “Winning two tournaments, finishing as a runner-up, and now an Olympic medal—it’s been a rewarding journey. Next year, I aim to set higher targets and push myself even further.”
Lee also took a moment to express his heartfelt thankfulness for his coach, Wong Tat Meng, who played a pivotal role in his rise to the top ranks of international badminton.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Wong for choosing to guide me during a challenging phase in my career,” Lee shared. “When he joined me, my world ranking was at an all-time low. His dedication and expertise, combined with my hard work, helped me secure my first Olympic medal in just a year and a half. I owe so much of this success to him.”
