Shevon Jemie Lai’s dream came true when she was selected to join the Malaysia national badminton team back in 2011. Her call-up came after her consistent displays at the BWF World Junior Championships – from a silver in her debut in 2009, followed by a bronze in 2010, she capped her junior days with a gold medal at the BWF World Junoir Championships in 2011 with a gold.
Recalling her introduction into the sport, “I started to show interest in badminton when I was very young because my whole family played badminton. My brother was in the national team, so I kind of followed them to the courts all the time,” said the national mixed doubles shuttler.
Although the Covid19 pandemic is still wrecking plans and creating a havoc in planning, Shevon hopes to focus and come good with partner Goh Soon Huat in their chase for a place to the Tokyo Olympics next year.
“We had a program from our fitness, strength and conditioning coaches throughout the pandemic to maintain our performance.
With the postponement of the Olympics to next year and the qualification period, this is the second chance that we have been waiting for and Soon Huat and I will definitely not waste it,” said the world number 12.
Shevon said she is used to going through a rollercoaster ride in her badminton career and the drive to fulfil her childhood dreams keeps her going.
“I am very passionate about badminton and this passion and burning desire have kept me going even during tough times. There is no easy road in this sport. You need to keep the fire in you to continue to grow and to give your best.
While targeting the Olympics, we are aiming to be in the world top five ranking and I know it requires a lot of effort and determination to achieve my target,” added Shevon.
The Selangor-born player who takes Liliyana Natsir, the mixed doubles shuttler from Indonesia as her idol hopes it does not take her long to emulate Liliyana’s on-court performances.
SHEVON JEMIE LAI | |
Nationality | Malaysian |
Born | 8 August 2020 (age 27) |
Selangor, Malaysia | |
Height | 1.69 m |
World Ranking | 12 (current mixed doubles) |
MEDAL RECORD | ||
Commonwealth Games | ||
Gold Coast 2018 | Mixed Team | Silver |
Southeast Asian Games | ||
Philippines 2019 | Mixed Doubles | Silver |
Philippines 2019 | Women’s Team | Bronze |
Kuala Lumpur 2017 | Mixed Doubles | Silver |
Kuala Lumpur 2017 | Women’s Team | Silver |
World Junior Championships | ||
Taipei 2011 | Mixed Team | Gold |
Guadalajara 2010 | Mixed Team | Bronze |
Alor Setar 2009 | Mixed Team | Silver |
Asian Junior Championships | ||
Lucknow 2011 | Mixed Team | Silver |
Kuala Lumpur 2010 | Mixed Team | Silver |
Kuala Lumpur 2009 | Mixed Team | Gold |