KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei remains the country's most successful Olympian, holding the record for the most silver medals won by a Malaysian with three.
The former men's singles badminton star first secured silver at Beijing 2008, followed by London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Chong Wei, who retired in 2019, hopes that Malaysian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics will do better than him by winning the country's first gold medal.
He said he would be overjoyed if any Malaysian athlete could end the nation's long wait for an Olympic gold medal in Paris, something he was unable to achieve during his career.
"I genuinely hope that a Malaysian athlete can win the country's first gold medal. It doesn't matter who it is; I will always support them, as will all 33 million Malaysians.
"We have waited too long to see a Malaysian athlete win an Olympic gold.
"Perhaps Lee Zii Jia (badminton), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (badminton), Azizulhasni Awang (track cycling), Pearly Tan-M Thinaah (badminton)... we don't know.
"Maybe we can bring home more than one gold.
"What's most important now is that we, as Malaysians, need to support the athletes and back their efforts in Paris," Chong Wei told BH Sports.
Chong Wei was twice denied gold by former Chinese star Lin Dan, who defeated him in the finals of the Beijing and London Olympics.
In his third attempt in Rio de Janeiro, Chong Wei lost to China's Chen Long, despite having defeated Lin Dan in the semi-finals.
Chong Wei said he does not mind if he no longer holds the record for Malaysia's best Olympic athlete, stressing that securing success for the country with a gold medal is more significant.
"Records are personal achievements, but what is more important and meaningful is success for the country. It would be the most beautiful moment if we could share this success with the entire nation.
"I hope the athletes will focus on fighting for the country and not just for personal glory," said Chong Wei.
The Paris Olympics will officially open with the opening ceremony scheduled on Friday.