This post was written as a response to the Weekly Writing Challenge: Mind the Gap for the week of August 13, 2012.
The nation stood still. The shuttle hit the ground. The dream was over, for now. Twenty-eight million hearts broke. Malaysia lost in the Badminton Finals match of the 2012 Olympics in London. Yet, “Chong Wei” was still our hero.
It was Sunday night. (Almost) the entire country was gathered in front of their television/computer/projector screens. Whether the match was witnessed live, through national television, satellite or YouTube, the country was united as one. More interestingly, “Chong Wei” was trending worldwide on twitter.
Following the Olympics on twitter may not be the most conducive way of catching up on your favourite sport, but this was different. Dozens if not hundreds of tweets were posted every second throughout the 79-minute duel. Thousands of tweets filled with hope and expectations. Thousands of tweets containing prayers and words of encouragement. Text updates arrived minutes before video (I guess my ‘live’ video was delayed). In the end, thousands of tweets expressing heartbreak washed over the twitter servers before the final shuttle fell on my screen(s)*. But it was not in vain.
The 2012 Olympics was the first where every event was streamed live on YouTube. Anyone could follow any sport they were interested in, unlike lame old free television. It was also the first social Olympic games. “Chong Wei” tweeted an apology to his country after that match. He also recorded a YouTube video, apologising for his loss. However, many Malaysians felt that no apology was needed. After all, he tried his very best and more importantly, brought together a country divided by political troubles for the past 5 years. Oh, not to forget he indirectly gave millions free ice cream.
The Weekly Writing Challenge poll asked how social media changed how I viewed the Olympics. I think I was off-topic from the start. I don’t even know what I am writing now. However, one thing I know, the internet has not only brought athletes and their fans closer, but it has also brought the people of a country together. Even if it was only for 79 minutes.
* I was actually waiting for the Federer – Murray tennis match. I am actually not into badminton.
The Wall 