Chong Wei pushes the limits to get back in shape

Peter Gade consoles Lee Chong Wei after the Malaysian pulled out of the match due to ankle injury

Lee Chong Wei’s Olympics preparation was dealt a harsh blow when he suffered an ankle injury during a Thomas Cup match in May, but the world No.1 is going all out to recover and be in shape for London 2012. Indeed, the Malaysian is spending up to 12 hours a day for his exercise regimen as he fights against time.

Chong Wei suffered a tendor tear as he landed awkwardly near the baseline. The injury left him in tears. The Beijing Olympics silver medallist however has been pushing his limits to be at his best in time for London.

“It’s been tough spending 12 hours daily, from 7am till 7pm, on my rehabilitation,” Chong Wei told Malaysian newspaper The Star on Monday. “I’m on court at 7.30 in the morning for light training before going for physiotherapy. Then I have aqua therapy to work on my upper body strength. I also do gym work later in the evening. This has been my daily routine since the injury.

“Maintaining my fitness under these conditions is tough but there’s no short cut and the thought that I won’t be able to fight for the gold medal drives me on,” he said.

Asked what his chances were at London, Chong Wei said: “A lot depends on getting back to my old form and that means extra hard training,” he said. “At times I’m not able to answer as it all depends on how fast the ankle heals. I have avoided making any statements so as not to give false hopes. But the prayers and well wishes of the fans and people from all walks of life drive me on.”