Badminton at London 2012: The End

Today marks the end of badminton at the London Summer Olympics 2012. 

I watched all four matches- the bronze medal match and final match of men's singles and men's doubles. 

Lee Hyun Il lost to Chen Long, and now he's going to have to end his career without an Olympic medal. But I think that doesn't matter, because he's really good. Some people don't need an Olympic medal to be acknowledged. 

Somehow, today, if Lee Hyun Il was as young and energetic as Chen Long, he could have won the match. He had the skills, but - sadly - not the stamina, at the age of 32.

Lee Chong Wei too. I believe he doesn't need an Olympic gold medal to prove that he's one of the best badminton players Malaysia's ever had. 

I know a lot of Malaysians are going to hate/kill me if I said this, but to be honest, I didn't think that final match against Lin Dan was the best. That clearly wasn't Lee Chong Wei's best game, and Lin Dan was obviously not at his best. But I do, sincerely, salute our dear Dato' for his semangat(spirit), dedication, devotion, and how he remained calm throughout the entire match today. Tough mental strength right there. 

Credit: 988's Facebook page

I heard he's been taking painkillers before his every match at the Olympics, and considering he's in pain, although today wasn't his best match, it was truly historical. 

My heart broke at this sight.
First time ever I saw coaches hugging their player like that.

I know how much you've been through, and how hard you fought to get there. Don't cry, Malaysians don't blame you, so don't blame yourself. *big hug*

Another one.
'Dia mau pergi peluk Chong Wei? HABIS DAH!'
I don't know why, but it was funny! hahahahahaha

By the way, it's really good how Chong Wei brought so many Malaysians together on the same day, for the same purpose. Like people are saying right now, even our politicians can't do that. However, I really disliked how people were talking about Baskin Robins and holidays, and how our politicians' presence at Wembley Arena caused Dato' to lose. 

That's really silly. Most people who can't stop commenting about the match today don't even know much about the sport. It's good that they're all gathered to support our national hero, but some people really need to get their facts right- though of course, I understand some of those were for humouring purposes, and that, I don't mind. ;)

As for the men's doubles, I rooted for Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen, but it was obvious from the start that it wasn't going to be easy for them to beat Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng. It's clear, too, that Cai and Fu did really great today. Even if it was Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae playing against them, I can't say for sure that my lovelies would win.

Oops, there's a point.
That 'Bodoh' speaks louder than any other words. Ouch.

I was in tears when Jung and Lee won our 'Diamond Pair' Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in the bronze medal match. It was just a bronze, but it was really touching. The Koreans are really charismatic in every way on the court! Not the face- it's the support they have for each other, and how they smiled and praised one another for a good point won. Remarkable. Absolutely touching. ♥

Oh yes, and it's really thrilling the way Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae came back from 12-18 down, in the first game, and then finishing it 23-21 in their favour. Aww, that's my boys. ahaha.

Now that's sweet.

Overall, it was clean sweep for China. Five golds in five events, for the first time in history. I didn't really want that- for various reasons- but it's helpless because they're so strong and they deserved that.

But well, on the bright side, if it wasn't for team China in badminton, I wouldn't be who I am today- with all the experience and memories of attending the many tournaments and events to be treasured. 

So, yeah.. congratulations, team China. 

I'd appreciate it if some people from China, in general, learnt to respect others, though. It's good to support your country, but there's no need to insult and criticise others. ;)

And to our beloved Dato' Lee Chong Wei, congratulations for winning two Olympic silver medals. May you have a happy retirement, marriage and a blessed life ahead.

One last picture before ending this post and, saying goodbye to badminton at London 2012:

Denmark-China-Korea.
The only event in badminton London 2012 with a perfect distribution of medals.

That's why I said men's doubles is my favourite event in badminton. World class matches, and it's not Chinese-dominated. 

And no, it's not because there are four men on the court at the same time... although that's really nice as well. heheheh
 

Photo credits: London 2012 official website.
Unless stated otherwise.