WHEN Goh Liu Ying was appointed Malaysia's flag bearer at the Tokyo Olympics, it was not only a proud moment for the mixed doubles shuttler but also a recognition for all Malaysian female athletes.
However, abusive, sexist and body shaming comments against women athletes, including gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi have revealed the uncouth Malaysian fans whose mentality leaves much to be desired.
Despite winning a silver medal for the country at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Liu Ying was not spared as she became the victim of vicious cyber bullies after she and partner Chan Peng Soon failed to make the knockout stage in Tokyo.
Liu Ying told Timesport yesterday: "I can't do much to stop these abusive comments, and as athletes we just have to move on and hope to do better.
"I understand that sport fans are disappointed with our performance and results, but it would be good for everyone to know that we, as athletes are even more disappointed with this.
"We had sacrificed so much and had expected better results, and we feel it worse because we couldn't deliver.
"It also does not help that expectations are even higher on female athletes.
"To me, sports transcend gender, political and religious views. I really hope we will all learn from this to be better people."
Despite the disappointment, Liu Ying thanked those who came to her support when she was abused online.
"I'm so touched because so many people showed us respect and support. This motivates us to continue doing what we do.
"Badminton to me is not a hobby. It's my job and responsibility.
"When I had shoulder surgery in Germany (2017), I endured a lot of pain. I stayed there for more than a month.
"I made up my mind then, that I will not give up.
"I did not go through all the pain for nothing," added the 32-year-old.
On whether this was the end for the World No 7 mixed doubles duo, Liu Ying said: "The 2024 Olympics are still a long way off. For now I can say that this would be my last Olympic appearance.
"However, Peng Soon and I will continue playing badminton. We have not discussed about retiring just yet."
In Tokyo, Peng Soon-Liu Ying lost all three of their group matches — to Hong Kong's Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet, Germany's Mark Lamfuss-Isabel Herttrich and China's Wang Yi Lyu-Huang Dong Ping.