National badminton star Lee Chong Wei was in Penang to receive a RM100,000 incentive from Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBA) today.

During a press conference with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Lee shared his victory story at the 2012 London Olympics, saying he did not expect to make it to the finals.

NONE Lee said he was rather disappointed to have managed only a silver medal but he was truly in pain as he had been badly injured in the Thomas Cup.

"I tried my best although I managed only a silver medal. I had only two weeks to prepare for the Olympics. My ankle injury was too bad, I almost did not believe I could make it.

"I felt pressured because the Olympics only come once in four years. Although I trained, my movement was not 100 percent (good). Being in training and in a tournament is different," he said.

Lee, who lost to Chinese badminton star Lin Dan in a rubber set, said he had to consume painkillers on a daily basis.

However, thanks to his doctors who were always present with him in London, and his fans, he felt encouraged to see the games through.

"I only slept a few hours in a day. But I felt more confident after winning the semifinals. I then felt a bit relieved and was prepared to face the finals," he added.

On his future plans, Lee said he would rest awhile before starting to train again for the coming matches.

He said he would have to see to his physical condition before deciding whether to enter the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

"This is because as a sportsperson, I cannot be sure about my physical condition. But I will always carry the Malaysian flag wherever I go in the world, if I can continue to play in any competition."

Lee then thanked the state government, the PBA and his fans in Penang for giving him the support and encouragement to go on.

At the press conference, Lim was joined by his deputies Mansor Othman and P Ramasamy, state legislative speaker Abdul Halim Hussein, Penang Islamic Religious Council president Salleh Man and several state executive councillors.

Moral support for Lee

Meanwhile, Lim said although Lee failed to obtain a gold medal due to lack of luck on his side, the latter had managed to win the hearts of 28 million Malaysians.

He said the state government was very proud of Lee's "unique victory" and his ability to win two silver medals for Malaysia.

"It is hard enough to win one medal. Winning two is even more challenging. It is also not easy to maintain performance at a high level," Lim said.

Lim said the state and Penangites would continue to give Lee "moral support" and expressed hope to see him win the Olympics gold medal in 2016.

"With his discipline and fighting spirit, he can make it. We will wait and hope for this. We also hope we are still around (in Penang) to witness the historical event,"  Lim added, drawing laughter from the participants.

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