THE Olympic Games never fail to inspire sports fans around the world and nothing generates more excitement in a country than rooting for home-grown talent. Malaysia’s performance at the Rio Olympics has been described as its best-ever, and dreams of gold, silver and bronze medals remain very much alive here as Malaysians cheer their favourites on. Malaysia has netted five medals so far — a silver in the men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles badminton, a silver in the women’s synchronised 10m platform diving and a bronze in the men’s keirin cycling — making it the most it has won in a single Olympic Games. And, that is something to be proud of as the current team has already surpassed our previous best, according to former sprinter Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan.
Olympic athletes, including those from Malaysia, bring pride to the countries they represent and become role models for youngsters throughout the world who watch the Games and then set out to fulfil athletic and individual goals as a result. But Olympic hopefuls, who take steps to realise their ambitions and start training, quickly discover that gold medals do not just happen. They do not wake up, after a week of training, a world champion. That takes years of practice and dedication with hours and hours at the pool, court or field. Past and current Olympic athletes do that and more. Not only do they work hard but they also have to make sacrifices to qualify as Olympians. Malaysian athletes who have participated in a previous Olympics say it is a tough ride. Having a dream and identifying goals is one thing but turning these into action is another story. Divers, for example, need at least five years of hard work to master basic techniques. That entails putting their studies on hold, besides giving up activities other teenagers indulge in. Three-time Olympian Mirnawan Nawawi insists on avoiding cheating and slacking during training as that will not get aspirants to the Olympics.
Interestingly, Malaysia is now collecting medals in more events in Rio. Before Pandelela Rinong’s 2012 bronze in London in the women’s 10m individual platform diving, Malaysia’s medals have come solely from badminton. Not only is the number of medals going up but also the spread of contests. Dr Jegathesan welcomes the positive development, saying it augurs well for the future of Malaysian sports. But local sportsmen and sportswomen need lots of support from all Malaysians, especially their parents and the authorities. Many Malaysians fail to see that there is no job security when an athlete retires. There is no money in diving, for instance, as most competitions do not offer prize money, unlike in badminton and tennis. Yes, Malaysia needs to build on its improving performance but the cost of raising an Olympian or someone seeking to be one is extremely high. It is also hard on the athlete, as well as their family, after taking into account the long period to get to and then compete at the Games. On top of that, there is no guarantee of a return (medal). That is why our top athletes deserve all the help they can get.