our hero

Oh well... our dreams to end our Gold drought didn't quite make it. So close yet it was too much of a burden for one man, THE MAN, Lee Chong Wei. Prior to the finals, although Lin Dan had an advantage of 9-5 in terms of head to head records, I was fairly certain Chong Wei will come out with the goods. After all, he did win the last competitive game between the two. And Chong Wei was in tremendous form leading up to the finals, disposing the likes of Ronald Susilo and Lee Hyun Ill. The same thing can't be said for Lin Dan. However, I must be honest to say that the only of Lin Dan's game I watched was him playing in the semis against compatriot Chen Jin. He looked pretty ordinary there. But then again, they are fellow countryman. It would be cruel to humiliate him in front of the home crowd like how he did to Chong Wei. It was spectacular the way Lin Dan could anticipate each and every of Chong Wei's returns. Lin Dan was so quick at the net and he could smash from every angle on the court!

I had had high hopes for Chong Wei. Fairly certain he would win the coveted Olympic Gold Medal! I was even thinking the possibilities of a Lee Chong Wei Day! Or a Jalan Lee Chong Wei (Lee Chong Wei Road). Or something more fantastical along that line.

The game started and Lin Dan scored the first two point; letting out a roar to get the fans going. I was still very calm and confident as the game had only just began. Chong Wei even won the next point and gave and intimidating roar to his opponent. But Lin Dan wasn't deterred; didn't even cower or shuddered a bit. He stormed ahead to win the first set 21-12. At that moment, I got the jitters, feeling that it could end in just 2 sets. But I still had the confidence in Chong Wei that he would rally to win the next set and push for a decider.

But for the agony... Lin Dan wasted no time to go 8-0 up. I feared for the worse. But I had always believe in miracles. And if Chong Wei wanted to make a great historical comeback, he had to do something. But he didn't quite show up. It was embarrassing to lose 21-12, 21-8 in an Olympic finals! Lin Dan saluted his fans. It was great to see that, but painful to know at our expense. It was entertaining to see the jubilation of the crowd, to see how much the fans loved Lin Dan. He was trully a Chinese patriot. There wasn't any pressure at all for him playing in front of his family, friends and country men. He was proud and honoured to do it.

However, it isn't all dark and gloom. Lee Chong Wei still brought home a silver; possibly the only medal we will ever get this 29th games. He is still a national hero for that fact... and we salute you, Lee Chong Wei! Malaysia Boleh!