“Badminton is the only sport in which Indonesia has ever won a gold medal in the Olympics. That is why badminton is prestigious and important for Indonesia.

My greatest moment was when I became Olympic champion in Sydney. In the Olympics, you play for yourself but also as a representative for your country at the highest level as the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world.  It was such an overwhelming experience. The hard times, the long wait, the pressures and the challenges ... they all disappeared at the Olympics.

To be a champion means I have to be different than others. The commitment demanded by being a champion is different from the experience of ordinary people.

Being famous and respected is great but what is more beautiful is walking with God, knowing that God loves me and being His... It is the most important thing for me.