Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 2, 2026: Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei has revealed that he broke down in tears after a doctor advised him to withdraw from the 2012 London Olympics because of a serious ankle injury.
Speaking on the “Ngopi Dengan Zafrul” podcast, hosted by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the former world No. 1 recalled the painful journey that nearly ended his Olympic dream.
Lee Chong Wei Breaks Down After Doctor’s Warning
Lee suffered a serious right ankle injury while facing Denmark’s Peter Gade during the 2012 Thomas Cup quarterfinals in Wuhan, China, just months before the London Olympics.
The injury damaged his ligaments and tendons, prompting doctors to advise him against competing.
“The doctor who examined me simply said, ‘Chong Wei, you cannot play at the Olympics’ — and I just cried. That was my toughest career experience,” Lee recalled.
With no guarantee that he would be able to compete at the 2016 Olympics, Lee refused to abandon his dream.
“I just told myself that no matter what happens, I will play at the Olympics.”
Racing Against Time to Recover
Lee underwent intensive rehabilitation and stem cell treatment before continuing his recovery during Malaysia’s training camp at the University of Bath in England.
However, he was still struggling with pain as the Olympics approached.
“I could only play half-court during the 10-day training at Bath and it was still painful. During training at the main court at Wembley Stadium, I still couldn’t train,” he revealed.
Lee even told his wife, former Malaysian badminton player Wong Mew Choo, that his Olympic hopes appeared finished.
Fortunately, with assistance from his physiotherapist, who heavily strapped his ankle and helped him manage the pain, Lee was able to compete.
Lee Chong Wei’s Heartbreaking Olympic Final Against Lin Dan
Despite his limited preparation, Lee advanced to the men’s singles final against longtime rival Lin Dan of China.
The Malaysian won the opening game 21-15, but Lin fought back to take the next two games 21-10, 21-19, securing his second consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Lee settled for silver after coming within two points of winning Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal.
“My dream was to win Malaysia’s first gold and I went all out but lost the final. That was my toughest journey in my career,” Lee said.
The London final remains one of badminton’s most memorable Olympic matches, particularly considering the injury Lee had overcome to reach it.
Watch: Lee Chong Wei Recalls His 2012 Olympic Injury
Video source: Ngopi Dengan Zafrul and Tengku Zafrul Aziz
Lee Chong Wei Reflects on Life Beyond Badminton
Lee also recently reflected on his career during his “Beyond Greatness” inspirational talk in Petaling Jaya on October 25, 2026.
The three-time Olympic silver medalist, who spent 349 weeks as world No. 1, spoke about his cancer diagnosis in 2018, retirement in 2019, and the importance of his family’s support.
Now serving as chairman of BAM’s Performance Committee, Lee continues contributing to Malaysian badminton while supporting opportunities for young players through initiatives such as the Lee Chong Wei Cup.
More than 14 years after his London Olympic final, Lee’s emotional recollection offers a reminder of the determination and sacrifice behind one of Malaysia’s greatest sporting careers.
