THE Olympics dream may be over for Lee Chong Wei, but the former World No 1 remains appreciative to those who have supported him throughout his career.
In an appreciation post on his social media accounts, the three-time Olympic silver medallist, who retired last year after coming down with nose cancer, thanked his sponsor, Yonex, for standing by him throughout his recovery.
In the post, Chong Wei put up the Yonex attires that he would have worn for the Tokyo Olympics.
"When I was in my recovery, I wasn't sure whether I could make a comeback," said Chong Wei.
"Some friends were supportive, and some were asking me to retire in order to focus on my family and health.
"And to be honest, there were also some who looked at me with sceptical eyes.
"But the one who always stood by me was my sponsor, Yonex.
"When I told them I was not giving up at that time, they were very supportive and even started designing my 2020 Tokyo Olympics attire.
"It is already coming to the end of 2020 and I've retired, and the Tokyo Olympics hasn't even happened because of the Covid-19 situation.
"But I still received the jersey with its brilliant stripes and my name on it. I'm grateful and deeply moved by this gesture.
"It has not been an easy year, but I hope we can all walk through this together.
"I also hope that everyone will keep the Olympic spirit burning and stay strong because 2021 will be an awesome year."
Chong Wei, however, will still head to the Tokyo Olympics next year as the nation's chef-de-mission.