There’s surely no better way to finish one’s career than after one has won Olympic gold.
Or, in Lee Yang’s case, two Olympic gold medals.
Lee’s partnership with Wang Chi-Lin must rank as perhaps the most enigmatic in recent history. How did a pair that hadn’t win a title over the past year turn up at the Olympics, and go on to win a final that must rank among the greatest finals of all time? How could a pair that appeared to drift apart after Tokyo 2020, who paired up with different partners, and struggle with fitness in the recent past, survive heart-stoppingly close matches in the most competitive field at the Olympics?
The ability to “peak at the right moment” is an oft-spoken gift, and perhaps Lee and Wang had that elusive quality. But the Paris 2024 final provided clinching evidence, if any was needed, of the deep reserves of talent and composure that Lee Yang carried, as he drove on the pair through the fluctuating fortunes of the gold medal match.
What is interesting is that, before they came together as a pair, Lee and Wang had modest accomplishments. As Lee Yang bids goodbye to badminton, it’s tempting to wonder what could have been had they paired up earlier than they did. Classmates in school, and sharing a sense of humour (Wang recalled that back then, his friend was “short and fat… and I didn’t like his skill, because it was so good”), the pair had abilities that complemented each other – Lee with his anticipation and playmaking skill, which helped set up the rallies for Wang Chi-Lin’s power.
With Lee Jhe-Huei, Lee’s best accomplishment was the French Open 2017 title. Partnering Wang Chi-Lin from 2018 onwards, there were frequent semifinals and finals; yet, their only Super 500 (or above) title until the end of 2020 was the India Open.
It all changed after the pandemic.
January in the postponed Olympic year of 2021 saw three back-to-back top-tier tournaments – the YONEX Thailand Open, the TOYOTA Thailand Open and the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020. Wang revealed that during the lockdown months, they had “improved a lot of skills, some soft skills, like footwork, and also strength with weight training.”
The improved pair were to make a sensation in Bangkok, as they won all three titles; the momentum continued into Tokyo 2020, where they survived an opening loss and a difficult group, going on to become Chinese Taipei’s first gold medallists.
The period since then was once again inconsistent, and until they rediscovered the magic at Paris, there was little to show that they could defend their gold.
“Last time in Tokyo not a lot of people knew us but this time a lot of people could recognise us,” said Lee Yang. “In the past three years we didn’t play that well. Before we came to Paris we heard some voices that they didn’t want us to represent Chinese Taipei. I’m happy that with such tough competition – and we were in the toughest group, D – we still managed to win the gold medal. I’m very happy that our efforts were seen by everyone.”