:Lee Chong Wei

Lee was born in Bagan Serai, Perak,{{cite book|title=Dare to be a Champion|year=2012|publisher=Bukuganda Digital & Publication|isbn=9789671084328|page=215|url=http://www.mphonline.com/books/nsearchdetails.aspx?&pcode=9789671084328|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016175652/http://www.mphonline.com/books/nsearchdetails.aspx?&pcode=9789671084328|url-status=dead}} into a Malaysian Chinese family, to Lee Ah Chai and Khor Kim Choi.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/167074/he-number-one-my-heart-says-chong-weis-father|title='He is number one in my heart,' says Chong Wei's father|publisher=New Straits Times|date=21 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/01/26/chong-weis-dad-marries-again/|title=Chong Wei's dad marries again|work=The Star Online|date=26 January 2014}} In his early years, he favoured basketball, however his mother soon banned him from the game due to the searing heat of the outdoor basketball court. Lee began to learn badminton at the age of 11, when his father, who liked to play the game, brought him to the badminton hall. He attracted the attention of local coach Teh Peng Huat, who asked Lee's father if he could take him as a student. After receiving his father's consent, Teh began to train Lee after school.{{cite web |url=http://sports.dl.net.cn/ttkx/gntt/200710/309045.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914074424/http://sports.dl.net.cn/ttkx/gntt/200710/309045.html |archive-date=2013-09-14|script-title=zh:[羽球]李宗伟:中马间的"二道贩子"和黄妙珠是"好友"|work=Sina Sport|date=11 October 2007|publisher=sports.dl.net.cn|access-date=13 December 2008|language=zh}} Discovered by Misbun Sidek, he was drafted into the national squad in 2000 when he was seventeen years old.{{cite web|url=http://www.badminton-information.com/lee-chong-wei.html|title=Interview with Lee Chong Wei|date=25 May 2008|publisher=Badminton-Information|access-date=24 November 2008}}

Lee picked up only one minor title during the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He reached his first final of a major tournament at the 2003 Malaysia Open where he was defeated by Chen Hong of China.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/9/8/sports/6229378&sec=sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030911120834/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/9/8/sports/6229378&sec=sports|archive-date=2003-09-11 |title=Ruthless Chen Hong ended Chong Wei's fairy tale run |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=8 September 2003 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Lee then secured two titles in 2004, the Malaysia Open and the Chinese Taipei Open. Lee gained a spot for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In his first Olympic appearance, Lee defeated Ng Wei of Hong Kong in the first round. His journey ended in the second round when he was defeated by Chen Hong.{{cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=351019 |title=Best Chance Of An Olympic Gold In Chong Wei's Court |last=Letchumanan |first=Jaiarajo |date=6 August 2008 |publisher=Bernama |access-date=16 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183341/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=351019 |archive-date=28 June 2011 }} Lee scored another two titles in 2005, his second Malaysia Open title and the Denmark Open. Lee won a bronze in his first appearance in the world meet, the 2005 World Championships after losing to eventual winner Taufik Hidayat in the semi-final.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/22/stories/2005082208151800.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117143602/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/22/stories/2005082208151800.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 November 2006|title=Lin to clash with Taufik|date=22 August 2005|work=The Hindu|access-date=16 March 2009}}

Lee won three titles out of six finals in 2006. He was crowned as the winner of the Swiss Open,{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2006/01/09/badminton-chong-wei-and-chankoo-victorious-in-basel/ |title=Badminton: Chong Wei and Chan-Koo victorious in Basel |date=9 January 2006 |work=The Star |access-date=17 March 2018 }} Asian Badminton Championships and his third Malaysia Open title. He also reached the final of the Chinese Taipei Open, Macau Open and Hong Kong Open. In the Malaysia Open, Lee fought back from 13 to 20 down in the rubber match and saved eight match points against Lin Dan, and finally won the game with a score of 23–21 to secure the title.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/6/19/sports/14582422&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621223731/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F6%2F19%2Fsports%2F14582422&sec=sports |archive-date=21 June 2006 |title=Double joy for Malaysia |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=19 June 2006 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Lee won Malaysia's two gold medals in the badminton event for 2006 Commonwealth Games, in both the men's singles and mixed team events.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/commonwealth_games/4844932.stm|title=Commonwealth Games day 11 review|date=26 March 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=16 March 2009}} Lee reached the top spot twice in the Badminton World Federation's world rankings in 2006,{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/7/1/sports/14712560&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193603/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F7%2F1%2Fsports%2F14712560&sec=sports |archive-date=28 June 2011 |title=Chong Wei reaches top spot for first time |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=1 July 2006 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} and he participated in the World Championships as top seed.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/9/8/sports/15371488&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193619/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F9%2F8%2Fsports%2F15371488&sec=sports |archive-date=28 June 2011 |title=Badminton: Chong Wei is top seed |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=8 September 2006 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} However, he was upset by Bao Chunlai of China in the quarter-final despite Lee winning at their previous meeting. The match was also marred by two controversial line calls that were not in favour of Lee.{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/09/22/sports/EU_SPT_BAD_Worlds.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222031044/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/09/22/sports/EU_SPT_BAD_Worlds.php|archive-date=2011-02-22|title=Bao knocks out top-seeded Lee in badminton World Championships quarterfinals|date=22 September 2006|agency=Associated Press|access-date=16 March 2009}}

During the 2007 season, Lee failed to reach the final of the Malaysia Open for the first time in five years. He also suffered an early exit in five competitions afterward. Later on that season he took the Indonesia Open crown, his first title since the 2006 Malaysia Open after reuniting with former coach Misbun Sidek from Li Mao.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/5/14/sports/17719255&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516042003/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F5%2F14%2Fsports%2F17719255&sec=sports |archive-date=16 May 2007 |title=Chong Wei makes timely return to form in Jakarta |date=14 May 2007 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} His performance at the second half of the year was solid, as he achieved three titles in the Philippines Open, the Japan Open, and the French Open. He also managed to reach the final of the China Open and Hong Kong Open, despite his knee injury haunting him on both occasions.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/12/31/sports/19887184&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193649/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F12%2F31%2Fsports%2F19887184&sec=sports |archive-date=28 June 2011 |title=Badminton: Boost for Chong Wei |first=Teik Huat |last=Lim |date=31 December 2007 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Lee won all matches he played in the Sudirman Cup in June, despite Malaysia finishing just fifth in the tournament.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/6/17/sports/18052287&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619210710/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F6%2F17%2Fsports%2F18052287&sec=sports |archive-date=19 June 2007 |title=Badminton: Lee shows his mettle |first=Teik Huat |last=Lim |date=17 June 2007 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Lee's low point of the year was in the World Championships, despite the tournament being held in front of his home crowd and his solid performance during the second half of the year, he was defeated in the third round by Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081757332100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629061818/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081757332100.htm|archive-date=2011-06-29|title=Anup Sridhar posts another upset win |date=17 August 2007|url-status=dead|work=The Hindu|access-date=16 March 2009}} Lee criticised the chief coach, Yap Kim Hock for treating him indifferently and putting pressure on him before the world championships. While the chief of Badminton Association of Malaysia, Datuk Nadzmi Mohd Salleh encouraged Lee and the chief coach, Yap Kim Hock to improve their relationship.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/8/31/sports/18748178&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070903051935/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F8%2F31%2Fsports%2F18748178&sec=sports |archive-date= 3 September 2007 |title=BAM chief wants Chong Wei and Kim Hock to improve relationship |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=31 August 2007 |work=The Star |access-date=16 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}

File:Lee Chong Wei at the 2008 Olympic games.jpg]]

Lee kicked off 2008 with success, capturing his fourth Malaysia Open title in five years.{{cite news|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90867/6341884.html|title=Lee Chong Wei wins men's singles at Malaysian Open badminton|date=21 January 2008|publisher=People's Daily Online|access-date=14 December 2008}} However, Lee only captured one more other title that year, the Singapore Open, which was the final tournament in his pre-Olympic preparations. Other tournaments he took part in were the Korea Open;{{cite news|url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2008/news_20080124l.htm|title=李宗伟弃赛李炫一晋级，八强战将上演韩国德比战|date=24 January 2008|publisher=bbeshop|access-date=14 December 2008}} the All England Open;{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/08/sports/EU-SPT-BAD-All-England.php |title=China stays on course to win singles titles at All England Open |date=8 March 2008 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312120800/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/08/sports/EU-SPT-BAD-All-England.php |archive-date=12 March 2008 }} the Swiss Open;{{cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2008-03/17/content_6541680.htm|title=Chinese back to winning ways in Swiss finals|date=17 March 2008|publisher=China Daily|access-date=15 December 2008}} the Badminton Asia Championships;{{cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_sports.php?id=328159 |title=Looking Towards Jakarta |last=Chin |first=Dan Guen |date=21 April 2008 |publisher=Bernama |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130024655/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_sports.php?id=328159 |archive-date=30 January 2009 }} and Thomas Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia where Lee helped Malaysia advance to the semi-final. In the semi-final he defeated Lin DanLin Dan is a Chinese former professional badminton player. to give Malaysia a 1–0 lead in its clash with defending champion China, but Malaysia eventually lost 2–3 due to the defeat of its first doubles team in the vital final match.{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/16/sports/AS-SPT-BAD-Thomas-Uber-Cups.php |title=China defeats Malaysia to advance to final of Thomas Cup |date=16 May 2008 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709005503/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/16/sports/AS-SPT-BAD-Thomas-Uber-Cups.php |archive-date=9 July 2008 }}

In the 2008 Olympic Games, Lee was given a bye in the first round. He cruised to straight game victories over Ronald Susilo in the second round, Kęstutis Navickas in the third round,{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/sports/AS-OLY-BAD-Roundup.php |title=Britain's Robertson, Emms advance in badminton |date=12 August 2008 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901192013/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/sports/AS-OLY-BAD-Roundup.php |archive-date=1 September 2008 }} and Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the quarter-finals.{{cite news|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/badminton/n214540178.shtml |title=Lee in top form in Badminton Singles |date=14 August 2008 |publisher=beijing2008.cn |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122203450/http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/badminton/n214540178.shtml |archive-date=22 January 2009 |url-status=dead }} In the semi-finals Lee Hyun-il gave him a tough fight, but eventually Lee was able to beat the South Korean and reach the final.{{cite news|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/badminton/n214546391.shtml |title=Lee stumbles but prevails |date=15 August 2008 |publisher=beijing2008.cn |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122203507/http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/badminton/n214546391.shtml |archive-date=22 January 2009 |url-status=dead }} However, it was a one-sided final, as Lee was completely outplayed by Lin Dan and salvaged only 20 points, losing 12–21, 8–21.{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/17/sports/olybadminton17.php |title=Lin Dan of China defeats Malaysia's Lee Chong in men's final |date=17 August 2008 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=International Herald Tribune |access-date=15 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823025731/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/17/sports/olybadminton17.php |archive-date=23 August 2008 }} He came second place overall.

Lee participated in several tournaments after the Olympic Games without capturing a title. He advanced to the finals of the Japan Open, the Macau Open and the China Open, but lost to Sony Dwi Kuncoro,{{cite news|url=http://www.badminton-information.com/sony_ruins_lee_chong_weis_japan_title_hopes.html|title=Sony Ruins Lee Chong Wei's Japan Title Hopes|publisher=Badminton-Information|access-date=18 December 2008|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195944/http://www.badminton-information.com/sony_ruins_lee_chong_weis_japan_title_hopes.html|url-status=dead}} Taufik Hidayat,{{cite news|url=http://www.badmintonvm.com/2008/10/07/macau-grand-prix-gold-2008-taufik-hidayat-takes-out-lee-chong-wei-to-regain-form/ |title=Macau Grand Prix Gold 2008: Taufik Hidayat Takes Out Lee Chong Wei to Regain Form |date=7 October 2008 |publisher=BVM |access-date=18 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211045621/http://www.badmintonvm.com/2008/10/07/macau-grand-prix-gold-2008-taufik-hidayat-takes-out-lee-chong-wei-to-regain-form/ |archive-date=11 December 2008 |url-status=dead }} and Lin Dan respectively.{{cite news|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/sports/13004-super-dan-outplays-chong-wei-yet-again-in-china |title='Super Dan' outplays Chong Wei yet again in China |date=23 November 2008 |publisher=The Malaysian Insider |access-date=18 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219154526/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/sports/13004-super-dan-outplays-chong-wei-yet-again-in-china |archive-date=19 December 2008 }} In the French Open Lee was eliminated in the semi-finals.{{cite news|url=http://www.badmintonvm.com/2008/11/01/french-open-super-series-2008-gade-and-taufik-set-for-showdown/ |title=French Open Super Series 2008: Gade And Taufik Set For Showdown |date=1 November 2008 |publisher=BVM |access-date=18 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122210022/http://www.badmintonvm.com/2008/11/01/french-open-super-series-2008-gade-and-taufik-set-for-showdown/ |archive-date=22 January 2009 |url-status=dead }} His coach, Misbun Sidek, cited the pressure of being ranked world number one to explain Lee's recent failure to capture a title.{{cite news|url=http://www.voiceofmalaysian.com/2008/11/16/badminton-chong-wei-bogged-down-by-pressure/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906180022/http://www.voiceofmalaysian.com/2008/11/16/badminton-chong-wei-bogged-down-by-pressure/|archive-date=2013-09-06|title=Badminton: Chong Wei bogged down by pressure|date=16 November 2008|publisher=voiceofmalaysian.com|access-date=18 December 2008}}

Lee ended his last Super Series tournament of the year, the Hong Kong Open, with a sudden withdrawal due to a knee injury, conceding a walkover to Germany's Marc Zwiebler.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/11/27/sports/2656195&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122220911/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F11%2F27%2Fsports%2F2656195&sec=sports |archive-date=22 January 2009 |title=Old knee injury haunts Chong Wei at HK Open |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=27 November 2008 |work=The Star |access-date=18 December 2008 |url-status=dead }} His last minute withdrawal led to the Chinese media tagging him as the "weakest world number one".{{cite news|url=http://sports.sohu.com/20081127/n260872434.shtml|script-title=zh:中国香港羽毛球超级赛 "水货一哥"临阵脱逃|date=27 November 2008|publisher=Sohu Sport|language=zh|access-date=18 December 2008}} The Chinese media speculated that three factors had hampered Lee's performance since the Olympic Games: the stress of the Olympic final, a phobia of Lin Dan due to his lopsided Olympic defeat at Lin's hands, and (echoing Misbun Sidek's conjecture) the pressure of being the world number one.{{cite news|url=http://sports.cctv.com/20081126/109145.shtml|script-title=zh:三大症状困扰大马一哥 林丹给李宗伟留下病根|date=26 November 2008|work=QQ Sports|publisher=CCTV.com|language=zh|access-date=18 December 2008}}

Despite Lee's difficulties in international play, he recorded his seventh consecutive victory at the National Badminton Grand Prix Final in Kedah on 12 December 2008, thus breaking the record of six consecutive titles set by Misbun Sidek.{{cite news|url=http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2008/12/12/92.html|script-title=zh:黄佩娴卫冕女单 李宗伟笑缔7连霸 |date=12 December 2008 |publisher=Kwong Wah Yit Poh |language=zh |access-date=13 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212235857/http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2008/12/12/92.html |archive-date=12 December 2008 }} Lee ended the year with a title in the Super Series Masters Finals. However, Lin Dan and China's other top players did not compete, their association citing injuries and fatigue.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldOfSport/idINIndia-37132920081221|title=Lee beats Gade to wins Super Series final|date=21 December 2008|publisher=Reuters|access-date=22 December 2008|archive-date=23 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223071707/http://in.reuters.com/article/worldOfSport/idINIndia-37132920081221|url-status=dead}}

Lee Chong Wei started the 2009 season with his fifth Malaysia Open title.{{cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2009-01/12/content_7387217.htm|title=Lee Chong Wei defends title at Malaysia Open|date=12 January 2009|work=Xinhua|publisher=China Daily|access-date=19 January 2009}} He failed to secure his first Korea Open and All England Open title despite marching into the final.{{cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=384487 |title=Danish Ace Dashes Chong Wei's Hat-trick Hopes |date=18 January 2009 |publisher=Bernama |access-date=19 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122030057/http://bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=384487 |archive-date=22 January 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12993_5025900,00.html|title=Badminton: China sweep titles|date=8 March 2009|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=9 March 2009}} However, he secured his second title of the year in the Swiss Open which was held in Basel, defeating Lin Dan in straight sets and marking his first win in the finals against the Chinese opponent outside home turf.{{cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=396476 |title=Chong Wei Tames Super Dan To Clinch Swiss Open Title |date=15 March 2009 |publisher=Bernama |access-date=16 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183359/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=396476 |archive-date=28 June 2011 }}

Next, Lee was defeated by Chen Long of China in the India Open.{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/25/sports/badminton25.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192944/http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/25/sports/badminton25.php|archive-date=2011-06-28|title=Top-ranked Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia eliminated in first round|date=25 March 2009|agency=Associated Press|publisher=International Herald Tribune|access-date=26 March 2009}} Lee claimed he lost because of food poisoning and insisted that authorities improve the conditions before the World Championships.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i2JSsZaTFyZBUE3rc-CJDfkCLMaw |title=Top shuttler Lee tells India to improve conditions |date=26 March 2009 |work=AFP |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090911/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i2JSsZaTFyZBUE3rc-CJDfkCLMaw |archive-date=21 February 2014}} In May, Lee helped Malaysia reach the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup, the first in national history, despite his unbeaten record in the tournament being blown out by Lin Dan.{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/5/18/sports/3927482&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519121822/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F5%2F18%2Fsports%2F3927482&sec=sports |archive-date=19 May 2009 |title=Skipper Chong Wei proud of Malaysia's first-ever bronze |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=18 May 2009 |work=The Star |access-date=21 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} He won another two titles in June, the Indonesia Open{{cite news|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/94835/6682985.html|title=Lee Chong Wei wins men's singles gold at Indonesia Open|date=22 June 2009|publisher=People's Daily Online|access-date=29 June 2009}} and the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold,{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/6/29/sports/4217216&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901233347/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F6%2F29%2Fsports%2F4217216&sec=sports |archive-date= 1 September 2009 |title=Chong Wei crushes Chinese youngster Chen Long in 32 minutes |last=Paul |first=Rajes |date=29 June 2009 |work=The Star |access-date=29 June 2009 |url-status=dead }} despite failing to defend his Singapore Open title when he was taken by Nguyễn Tiến Minh in the second round.

Lee kicked off the second half of the season with defeat by Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the world meets,{{cite news|title=Top seeds Lee, Zhou tumble out of worlds|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/More-Sports/Badminton/Top-seeds-Lee-Zhou-tumble-out-of-worlds/articleshow/4894462.cms|access-date=17 October 2010|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 August 2009}}{{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} but went on to win the Macau Open in August.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Badminton: Choong Hann comes up short in second straight final |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/8/31/sports/4621057 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193818/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F8%2F31%2Fsports%2F4621057 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 May 2010 |newspaper=The Star |date=31 August 2009 |url-status=dead }} He reached the semi-final in the China Masters, but once again failed to beat his all time rival Lin Dan.{{cite news|title=Lin fights into China Masters final|url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-09/20/content_18558812.htm|access-date=17 June 2010|newspaper=China.org.cn|date=20 September 2009}} Then, Lee participated in the Japan Open. He only managed to reach the second round of the Open,{{cite news|title=Chong Wei sent packing |url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=67788 |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=Daily Express |date=25 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628182557/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=67788 |archive-date=28 June 2011 }} before winning the Hong Kong Open in November.{{cite news|title=World No. 1 Lee wins first title after injury break at Hong Kong Badminton Open|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90783/91323/6813577.html|access-date=17 June 2010|newspaper=People's Daily Online|date=15 November 2009}} His inconsistency saw him tumble down in the first round of the China Open.{{cite news|title=Jorgensen enters China Open badminton final with luck|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90779/94835/6819941.html|access-date=17 June 2010|newspaper=People's Daily Online|date=21 November 2010}} In December, Lee defended his Super Series Masters Finals title, which saw the competition played without the top badminton players in the world.{{cite news|title=Malaysia grabs three of five Super Series titles |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Malaysia-grabs-three-of-five-Super-Series-titles/articleshow/5308192.cms |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=6 December 2009 |agency=AFP |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091213065955/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Malaysia-grabs-three-of-five-Super-Series-titles/articleshow/5308192.cms |archive-date=13 December 2009 }}

Lee started the year with the title in all events he took part, his first treble in the Super Series titles. He gained his first ever Korea Open crown, sixth Malaysia Open,{{cite news|title=PROTON Malaysia Open 2010: China 3 Malaysia 2 |url=http://bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=30169 |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=Badminton World Federation |date=24 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725112228/http://bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=30169 |archive-date=25 July 2011 }} and defeated Kenichi Tago to win the oldest and most prestigious badminton championship in the world, the All England Open, his first since he took part in 2004.{{cite news|title=World No.1 Lee clinches men's title at All England|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2010-03/15/content_9590776.htm|access-date=17 June 2010|newspaper=China Daily|date=15 March 2010}}

Lee participated in the Thomas Cup in his home ground. He managed to defeat Kenichi Tago and take the first point, despite Malaysia's eventual loss (2–3) to Japan.{{cite news|title=Japan loss, outburst hit Malaysia's Thomas Cup hopes |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/More-Sports/Badminton/Japan-loss-outburst-hit-Malaysias-Thomas-Cup-hopes/articleshow/5920816.cms |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=12 May 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100531080050/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Japan-loss-outburst-hit-Malaysias-Thomas-Cup-hopes/articleshow/5920816.cms |archive-date=31 May 2010 }} In the quarter-finals, he beat Peter Gade, thus helping to secure Malaysia's place in the semi-finals.{{cite news|title=Thomas Cup: Malaysia in semi-final with 3–2 win over Denmark |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/5/12/sports/20100512190043&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515042253/http://www.thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F5%2F12%2Fsports%2F20100512190043&sec=sports |archive-date=15 May 2010 |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=The Star |date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead }} In the semi-finals against China, Lee was defeated by Lin Dan, which ended his 18-match unbeaten record since the start of the year.{{cite news|title=Misbun expects Chong Wei to return stronger after Lin Dan jolt |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/5/16/sports/6273735&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519103346/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F5%2F16%2Fsports%2F6273735&sec=sports |archive-date=19 May 2010 |access-date=17 June 2010 |newspaper=The Star |date=16 May 2010 |url-status=dead }}

In June, Lee participated in the Singapore Open losing in the quarter-finals.{{cite news|last=Gilmour|first=Rod |title=Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei sent packing from Singapore badminton Open|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7839976/Malaysias-Lee-Chong-Wei-sent-packing-from-Singapore-badminton-Open.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623020458/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7839976/Malaysias-Lee-Chong-Wei-sent-packing-from-Singapore-badminton-Open.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2010|access-date=29 June 2010|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|date=19 June 2010}} However, Lee bounced back winning the Indonesia Open,{{cite news|title=Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei defeats Taufik Hidayat to lift Indonesia Open|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7857830/Malaysias-Lee-Chong-Wei-defeats-Taufik-Hidayat-to-lift-Indonesia-Open.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701203425/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7857830/Malaysias-Lee-Chong-Wei-defeats-Taufik-Hidayat-to-lift-Indonesia-Open.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 July 2010|access-date=29 June 2009|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|date=27 June 2010}} Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold in July,{{cite news|last=Gilmour|first=Rod|title=Malaysian Open 2010: Lee Chong Wei predictably lifts home Grand Prix|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7883902/Malaysian-Open-2010-Lee-Chong-Wei-predictably-lifts-home-Grand-Prix.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911143752/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7883902/Malaysian-Open-2010-Lee-Chong-Wei-predictably-lifts-home-Grand-Prix.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2012|access-date=2 August 2010|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|date=11 July 2010}} and Macau Open in August.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Hyun-il concedes walkover to Chong Wei in Macau final |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/8/2/sports/6778336&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803010325/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F8%2F2%2Fsports%2F6778336&sec=sports |archive-date= 3 August 2010 |access-date=3 August 2010 |newspaper=The Star |date=2 August 2010 |url-status=dead }} In late August, Lee suffered a shock exit in another attempt for the World Championships, but was beaten by Taufik Hidayat in the quarter-finals.{{cite news|last=Gilmour|first=Rod|title=World Badminton Championships 2010: Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan in shock exits|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7968624/World-Badminton-Championships-2010-Lee-Chong-Wei-and-Lin-Dan-in-shock-exits.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831010613/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7968624/World-Badminton-Championships-2010-Lee-Chong-Wei-and-Lin-Dan-in-shock-exits.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2010|access-date=30 August 2010|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|date=27 August 2010}} Misbun cited that the loss was due to the back injury he picked up after the match against Rajiv Ouseph in the third round.{{cite news|title=Unexpected back injury crushes Lee's world title hopes |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/8/29/sports/6941858&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830063855/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F8%2F29%2Fsports%2F6941858&sec=sports |archive-date=30 August 2010 |access-date=30 August 2010 |newspaper=The Star |date=29 August 2010 |url-status=dead }} On 26 September, Lee beat his archrival Lin Dan in the Japan Open, the only title not taken by Chinese players in the tournament.{{cite news|title=London 2012 – Chong Wei foils Chinese clean-sweep |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26092010/58/london-2012-chong-wei-foils-chinese-clean-sweep.html |access-date=27 September 2010 |newspaper=Yahoo! Eurosport |date=26 September 2010 |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003225907/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26092010/58/london-2012-chong-wei-foils-chinese-clean-sweep.html |archive-date= 3 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}

In October, he helped Malaysia to beat India to defend the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games mixed team event, then he successfully defended his gold medal once again in the singles event a few days later.{{cite news|title=Malaysia scores badminton gold rush|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/14/3038837.htm?site=sport§ion=more|access-date=14 October 2010|newspaper=ABC Grandstand Sport|date=14 October 2010|agency=AFP}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The following month he won a silver medal at the Asian Games. Despite beating reigning World Champion Chen Jin in the semi-final, Lee once again tasted defeat at the hands of his rival, Lin Dan, in the final.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Lin Dan powers past Lee to grab badminton gold |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/16th-asian-games-2010/other-top-stories/Asian-Games-Lin-Dan-powers-past-Lee-to-grab-badminton-gold/articleshow/6965160.cms |access-date=21 November 2010 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=21 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123180635/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/16th-asian-games-2010/other-top-stories/Asian-Games-Lin-Dan-powers-past-Lee-to-grab-badminton-gold/articleshow/6965160.cms |archive-date=23 November 2010 }} At season's end, he won his second consecutive Hong Kong Open title,{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei take Hong Kong Open title |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lee-Chong-Wei-take-Hong-Kong-Open-title/articleshow/7087779.cms |access-date=12 December 2010 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=12 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215203359/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lee-Chong-Wei-take-Hong-Kong-Open-title/articleshow/7087779.cms |archive-date=15 December 2010 }} and third consecutive Super Series Master Finals title, where the tournament was held in January 2011.{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Dave|title=Chong Wei lands third Super Series Finals title|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54030920110109|access-date=9 January 2011|newspaper=Reuters India|date=9 January 2011|archive-date=12 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112031853/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54030920110109|url-status=dead}}

In January, Lee won his seventh Malaysia Open title by defeating Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia in the final.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Lee just too good for Taufik in final |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/1/24/sports/7858025&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124202442/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F1%2F24%2Fsports%2F7858025&sec=sports |archive-date=24 January 2011 |access-date=24 January 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=24 January 2011 |url-status=dead }} However, he failed to defend the Korea Open title, the world's first ever million-dollar badminton tournament, after being beaten by Lin Dan from China in three games.{{cite news|title=China cash in at $1.2 million Korean Open |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/China-cash-in-at-12-million-Korean-Open/articleshow/7394124.cms |access-date=2 February 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=31 January 2011 |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205211455/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/China-cash-in-at-12-million-Korean-Open/articleshow/7394124.cms |archive-date=5 February 2011 }} In March, Lee cruised into the final of the All England Open for the third consecutive time and retained his title successfully with a convincing straight games victory over Lin Dan, and was praised by prime minister Najib Tun Razak.{{cite news|last=Gilmour|first=Rod|title=All England Badminton 2011: Lee Chong Wei gets a prime-time call after retaining title in Birmingham|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/8379603/All-England-Badminton-2011-Lee-Chong-Wei-gets-a-prime-time-call-after-retaining-title-in-Birmingham.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316145708/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/8379603/All-England-Badminton-2011-Lee-Chong-Wei-gets-a-prime-time-call-after-retaining-title-in-Birmingham.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 March 2011|access-date=14 March 2011|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=13 March 2011}}

On Labour Day, he won his first ever India Open,{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins India Open Super Series|url=http://www.inewsone.com/2011/05/01/chong-wei-wins-india-open-super-series/47387|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505085402/http://www.inewsone.com/2011/05/01/chong-wei-wins-india-open-super-series/47387|archive-date=2011-05-05|access-date=1 May 2011|newspaper=News One|date=1 May 2011}} and also his third consecutive Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold title a week later.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins Malaysia Open |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/5/8/sports/20110508191750&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510230458/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F5%2F8%2Fsports%2F20110508191750&sec=sports |archive-date=10 May 2011 |access-date=8 May 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=8 May 2011 |url-status=dead }} Despite the fact that Lee won all the matches he played during the Sudirman Cup, Malaysia's journey ended in quarterfinals, after being beaten by South Korea 2–3.{{cite news|title=Sudirman Cup: Malaysia fails to qualify for semis |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/5/26/sports/20110526230926&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528235416/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F5%2F26%2Fsports%2F20110526230926&sec=sports |archive-date=28 May 2011 |access-date=30 May 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=26 May 2011 |url-status=dead }} In late June, he won the Indonesia Open, becoming the first non-Indonesian player to complete the hat-trick in the tournament.{{cite news|title=London 2012 – Lee Chong Wei completes Indonesia hat-trick |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26062011/58/london-2012-lee-chong-wei-completes-indonesia-hat-trick.html |access-date=27 June 2011 |newspaper=Yahoo! Eurosport |date=26 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314182712/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/26062011/58/london-2012-lee-chong-wei-completes-indonesia-hat-trick.html |archive-date=14 March 2012}}

Lee's hopes of becoming the first Malaysian to win gold in the World Championships were dashed after defeat by Lin Dan in the final. Lee led for most of the match but lost two important match points in the rubber game.{{cite news|title=Lin, Wang keep Chinese badminton sweep on track |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hWZ1U5JWPqp9Lsgo9jYn0nObcbLA?docId=CNG.7f708543d75c273d28c071039eaf521f.71 |access-date=14 August 2011 |newspaper=AFP |date=14 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221124414/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hWZ1U5JWPqp9Lsgo9jYn0nObcbLA?docId=CNG.7f708543d75c273d28c071039eaf521f.71 |archive-date=21 February 2014}} In September, Lee also failed to defend his Japan Open crown after losing to China's rising star Chen Long.{{cite news|title=Chen shocks Lee to win Japan Open badminton tournament |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hObNtkfMmN2K4Eeu6t8h-hqu4kZA?docId=CNG.44ffeaa213663326c4fdcd02749b5d11.81 |access-date=26 September 2011 |newspaper=AFP |date=25 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929144345/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hObNtkfMmN2K4Eeu6t8h-hqu4kZA?docId=CNG.44ffeaa213663326c4fdcd02749b5d11.81 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead }} In October, he lost to Chen Long again in his bid for his second Denmark Open title.{{cite news|title=Chen Long wins Denmark Open, stunning Lee again|url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2011-10/24/content_23707545.htm|access-date=24 October 2011|newspaper=China.org.cn|date=24 October 2011}} He won the French Open a week later.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=World No. 1 Chong Wei rakes in another title in France |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/10/31/sports/9806769&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101002730/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F10%2F31%2Fsports%2F9806769&sec=sports |archive-date= 1 November 2011 |access-date=31 October 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=31 October 2011 |url-status=dead }} This was followed by triple semi-finals exit in the Hong Kong Open,{{cite news|last=Danlu|first=Tang|title="Super Dan" ends Lee Chong Wei, Baun upsets Wang Shixian at HK Badminton Open|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-11/20/c_131257749.htm|access-date=20 November 2011|newspaper=English.news.cn|date=20 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906042650/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-11/20/c_131257749.htm|archive-date=6 September 2013}} the China Open,{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Chong Wei's reign under threat from resurgent world champ |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/11/27/sports/9985998&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129150028/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F11%2F27%2Fsports%2F9985998&sec=sports |archive-date=29 November 2011 |access-date=27 November 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=27 November 2011 |url-status=dead }} and the Super Series Master Finals.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Tired Lee crumbles |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/12/18/sports/10120794&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108011747/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F12%2F18%2Fsports%2F10120794&sec=sports |archive-date= 8 January 2012 |access-date=18 December 2011 |newspaper=The Star |date=18 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}

File:Lee Chong Wei Prepares To Smash.jpg]]

Lee started the Olympic year with the first Super Series tournament of the season, the Korea Open. In a repeat of the previous year's final, he avenged his loss to Lin Dan by defeating him in three sets.{{cite news|title=Lee beats foe Lin Dan in Korea Open final |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lee-beats-foe-Lin-Dan-in-Korea-Open-final/articleshow/11413368.cms |access-date=8 January 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=8 January 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730235756/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lee-beats-foe-Lin-Dan-in-Korea-Open-final/articleshow/11413368.cms |archive-date=30 July 2012 }} A week later, he captured his fifth straight and eighth Malaysia Open title, thus equalling the number of home titles held by Wong Peng Soon who won them between 1940 and 1953.{{cite news|title=Badminton-Chong Wei wins Malaysia Open for Olympic boost|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/badminton-malaysia-chong-idUSL3E8CF0DR20120115|access-date=16 January 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=15 January 2012}}

In March, Lee lost in the All England Open when he bowed out in the second game after receiving medical help on three occasions. This also dashed Lee's hopes of becoming the first man to win three successive All England Open titles.{{cite news|title=Lin Dan beats Chong Wei for 5th All England title |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lin-Dan-beats-Chong-Wei-for-5th-All-England-title/articleshow/12224631.cms |access-date=12 March 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=11 March 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720201102/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lin-Dan-beats-Chong-Wei-for-5th-All-England-title/articleshow/12224631.cms |archive-date=20 July 2012 }} In April, he was defeated by South Korean Shon Wan-ho in the final of the India Open,{{cite news|title=India Open final: Wan stuns Chong Wei, Li Xuerui wins|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/india-open-final-wan-stuns-chong-wei-li-xuerui-wins-292689.html|access-date=1 May 2012|newspaper=Firstpost|date=30 April 2012}} but retained his Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold title for the fourth time in a row in May.{{cite news|title=Chong wei retains gp gold title|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/07/chong-wei-retains-gp-gold-title/|access-date=8 May 2012|newspaper=Borneo Post|date=7 May 2012}} Lee was out for three to four weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the Thomas Cup Group C tie against Denmark.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Chong Wei out for three to four weeks after ankle injury |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/5/23/sports/11343632&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526003123/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F5%2F23%2Fsports%2F11343632&sec=sports |archive-date=26 May 2012 |access-date=23 May 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=23 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Lee returned to the court for the first time after recovering from his injury to play in the London Olympic Games. He closely beat Ville Lång of Finland in rubber games for the first round,{{cite news|title=SLOW START: Chong Wei prepares for Indonesia's Santoso|url=http://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/first-hurdle-over-1.117668|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801043759/http://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/first-hurdle-over-1.117668|archive-date=2012-08-01|access-date=5 August 2012|newspaper=New Straits Times|date=1 August 2012}} and blamed pressure for the close defeat.{{cite news|title=Rusty Chong Wei blames pressure for close call in first round |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=/2012/8/1/olympics/11768537&sec=Olympics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200141/http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F1%2Folympics%2F11768537&sec=Olympics |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=5 August 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead }} In the second round, he eased to a victory against Indonesia's Simon Santoso,{{cite news|title=Chong Wei gives improved display to reach quarter-finals |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=/2012/8/2/olympics/11780351&sec=Olympics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803055527/http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F2%2Folympics%2F11780351&sec=Olympics |archive-date= 3 August 2012 |access-date=5 August 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead }} before beating Kashyap Parupalli of India in the quarter-finals.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei declares he's going for top prize after slaying Kashyap |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=/2012/8/3/olympics/11789465&sec=Olympics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803235655/http://thestar.com.my/sports/olympics/story.aspx?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F3%2Folympics%2F11789465&sec=Olympics |archive-date= 3 August 2012 |access-date=5 August 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead }} In the semi-finals, he beat Chen Long of China in straight sets despite early predictions that Chen would be difficult to beat, and set up a repeat of 2008's final against Lin Dan.{{cite news|title=Heroic Chong Wei sinks Chen Long |url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/heroic-chong-wei-sinks-chen-long-1.119311 |access-date=5 August 2012 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=3 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804041022/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/heroic-chong-wei-sinks-chen-long-1.119311 |archive-date=4 August 2012}} This was the second meeting in the Wembley Arena for both players after the 2011 World Championships. Lee led the match after winning the first game but Lin brought it to the rubber games. Despite leading for most of the time in the third game, Lin managed to level the point and edge him narrowly by 21–19, forcing Lee to settle for silver once more. BBC Sport analyst Gail Emms said, "You couldn't have asked for any more from Lee Chong Wei."{{cite news|title=Olympics badminton: Lin Dan defeats Lee Chong Wei for gold|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18906878|access-date=5 August 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806155929/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18906878|archive-date=6 August 2012|url-status=dead}} This epic episode was documented in an academic article entitled "Silver lining in winning silver: an exploratory study of supporters’ reactions and coping on the social media towards Lee Chong Wei's London Olympics defeat".{{Cite journal|last1=Kee|first1=Ying Hwa|last2=Fry|first2=Joan Marian|last3=Wang|first3=John Chee Keng|last4=Chong|first4=Yek Wei|last5=Li|first5=Chunxiao|date=2016-02-18|title=Silver lining in winning silver: an exploratory study of supporters' reactions and coping on the social media towards Lee Chong Wei's London Olympics defeat|journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Sport and Social Science|volume=5|pages=1–15|doi=10.1080/21640599.2016.1145938|s2cid=147533960|issn=2164-0599}}

He won the Japan Open and Denmark Open on his return since the London Olympic Games,{{cite news|title=Boonsak downed in Japan Open|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/313643/lee-beats-boonsak-wins-japan-open-title|access-date=23 September 2012|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=23 September 2012}}{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Chong Wei rules Denmark Open on his birthday |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/10/22/sports/12207985&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023153034/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F10%2F22%2Fsports%2F12207985&sec=sports |archive-date=23 October 2012 |access-date=22 October 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead }} but lost in the final of the Hong Kong Open, only a few days after his marriage.{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei loses to Chen Long in Hong Kong Open final |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/11/25/sports/20121125204417&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129030634/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F11%2F25%2Fsports%2F20121125204417&sec=sports |archive-date=29 November 2012 |access-date=8 December 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=25 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} Lee ended the year with a loss in the opening match of the Super Series Master Finals and subsequently pulled out of tournament due to a thigh injury.{{cite news|first=Teik Huat |last=Lim |title=World Super Series: Chong Wei goes down in opener, pulls out from tournament due to injury|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/12/12/sports/20121212203511&sec=sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212160232/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F12%2F12%2Fsports%2F20121212203511&sec=sports|archive-date=12 December 2012|access-date=31 December 2012|newspaper=The Star |date=12 December 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:Yonex IFB 2013 - Quarterfinal - Lee Chong Wei vs Boonsak Ponsana 12.jpg]]

Lee took the Korea Open title for the third time.{{cite news|last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Chong Wei gets off to a roaring start by clinching Korean Open title |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2013/1/14/sports/12572293&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115023129/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2013%2F1%2F14%2Fsports%2F12572293&sec=sports |archive-date=15 January 2013 |access-date=15 January 2013 |newspaper=The Star |date=14 January 2013 |url-status=dead }} A week later, he captured his ninth Malaysia Open title, which broke the record of eight titles previously held by Wong Peng Soon.{{cite news|title=Dato' Lee Chong Wei wins ninth Malaysian Open title|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/21/datuk-lee-chong-wei-wins-ninth-malaysian-open-title/|access-date=21 January 2013|newspaper=Borneo Post|date=21 January 2013}} Lee then lost in the final of the All England Open to Chen Long. Lee said he was disappointed with his performance during the tournament, despite marching into the final.{{cite news|title=Chinese Chen Long beats Lee Chong Wei to win first All England Open title|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2013-03/11/c_132223774.htm|access-date=14 March 2013|newspaper=English.news.cn|date=11 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116160318/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2013-03/11/c_132223774.htm|archive-date=16 November 2013}}{{cite news|title=Badminton: Ambitious Lee Chong Wei wants to forget his win |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2013/3/9/sports/20130309082926&sec=sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310040208/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2013%2F3%2F9%2Fsports%2F20130309082926&sec=sports|archive-date=10 March 2013|access-date=14 March 2013|newspaper=The Star|date=9 March 2013|url-status=dead }}

In April, he lost in the semi-finals of the Australia Open to the young Chinese player Tian Houwei.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei fails to qualify for Australia Open Final |url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/chong-wei-fails-to-qualify-for-australia-open-final-1.249666 |access-date=13 April 2013 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=6 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409000109/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/chong-wei-fails-to-qualify-for-australia-open-final-1.249666 |archive-date= 9 April 2013 |url-status=dead }} He then won his second India Open title and fifth Indonesia Open.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Lee Chong Wei wins 5th Indonesia Open title |url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/badminton-lee-chong-wei-wins-5th-indonesia-open-title-1.301442?cache=03%252F7.198169%2F7.260835 |access-date=17 June 2013 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=16 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204522/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/badminton-lee-chong-wei-wins-5th-indonesia-open-title-1.301442?cache=03%2F7.198169%2F7.260835 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} In August, Lee marched into the final of the World Championships, but his hopes were once again dashed in a repeat of his 2011 final and 2010 Asian Games defeats against Lin Dan. He suffered leg cramps late into the third game. After attempting to continue, he had to retire and was subsequently stretchered to hospital.{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei retires hurt to give 'wildcard' Lin Dan record 5th world badminton title|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/212215-world-badminton-championships-lin-dan-takes-mens-singles-title-after-lee-chong-wei-retires-hurt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814015852/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/212215-world-badminton-championships-lin-dan-takes-mens-singles-title-after-lee-chong-wei-retires-hurt|archive-date=2013-08-14|access-date=11 August 2013|newspaper=NDTV Sports|date=11 August 2013}}

After the World Championships Lee participated in four Super Series tournaments. First, he took the Japan Open title for the fourth time.{{cite news|last=Sukumar|first=Dev|title=Yonex Open Japan 2013: Day 6 – Teen Triumphs in Amazing Campaign|url=http://bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=77269|access-date=27 September 2013|newspaper=Badminton World Federation|date=22 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926201221/http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=77269|archive-date=26 September 2013|url-status=dead}} Then he lost in the final of the Denmark Open and semifinal of the French Open,{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Ajitpal|title=Lee Chong Wei lose in Denmark Open|url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/lee-chong-wei-lose-in-denmark-open-1.381303|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021010618/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/lee-chong-wei-lose-in-denmark-open-1.381303|archive-date=2013-10-21|access-date=25 November 2013|newspaper=New Straits Times|date=21 October 2013}}{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Rajes|title=Chong Wei beaten, Kien Keat-Boon Heong in French Open final|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2013/10/27/Kien-Keat-Boon-Heong-make-it-to-French-Open-final.aspx|access-date=25 November 2013|newspaper=The Star|date=27 October 2013|archive-date=20 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220063115/http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2013/10/27/Kien-Keat-Boon-Heong-make-it-to-French-Open-final.aspx/|url-status=dead}} and triumphed again in the Hong Kong Open.{{cite news|title=Super six for Chong Wei after Hong Kong win|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2013/11/24/Super-six-for-Chong-Wei-after-Hong-Kong-win.aspx|access-date=25 November 2013|newspaper=The Star|date=24 November 2013|archive-date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219170837/http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2013/11/24/Super-six-for-Chong-Wei-after-Hong-Kong-win.aspx/|url-status=dead}}

Lee won a record fourth Masters Finals title, the season ending Super Series tournament.{{cite news|title=Malaysian Lee Chong Wei wins record fourth Superseries Finals title|url=http://manilatimes.net/malaysian-lee-chong-wei-wins-record-fourth-superseries-finals-title/60819/|access-date=20 January 2014|newspaper=The Manila Times|date=15 December 2013}}

In January, Lee lost in the final of Korea Open to Chen Long, his fourth straight defeat by the Chinese.{{cite news|last=Hearn |first=Don |title=Korea Open Finals – No 4th for Lee Chong Wei |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/korea-open-finals-%E2%80%93-no-4th-for-lee-chong-wei/28576/ |access-date=20 January 2014 |newspaper=Badzine |date=12 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202132409/http://www.badzine.net/news/korea-open-finals-%E2%80%93-no-4th-for-lee-chong-wei/28576/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 }} He recorded his tenth Malaysia Open title a week later. Soon after the triumph, he announced it would be his last Malaysia Open outing, as he would assess his condition after the Asian Games and might retire if the results were not good.{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Rajes|title=Emotional Lee hints of retiring at year-end|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/01/19/Emotional-Lee-hints-of-retiring-at-year-end/|access-date=21 January 2014|newspaper=The Star|date=19 January 2014}}

However, his form improved and he won his third All England Open and India Open titles,{{cite news|title=Badminton: Lee Chong Wei regains All England title in Birmingham|url=http://www1.skysports.com/other-sports/news/12040/9205403/badminton-lee-chong-wei-regains-all-england-title-in-birmingham|access-date=10 March 2014|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=9 March 2014}}{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei wins third India Open Super Series title|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/222789-lee-chong-wei-wins-third-india-open-super-series-title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410155649/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/222789-lee-chong-wei-wins-third-india-open-super-series-title|archive-date=2014-04-10|access-date=7 April 2014|newspaper=NDTV Sports|date=6 April 2014}} although he was beaten by Simon Santoso in final of the Singapore Open.{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Rajes|title=Simon upsets Chong Wei to bag Singapore Open title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/04/13/Simon-upsets-Chong-Wei-to-bag-Singapore-Open/|access-date=14 April 2014|newspaper=The Star|date=13 April 2014}} In the Thomas Cup, Lee won every match he played. Malaysia reached the finals, but lost to Japan with a score of 3–2.{{cite news|last1=Sarkar|first1=Pritha|title=Japan down Malaysia to claim maiden Thomas Cup title|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/26/japan-down-malaysia-claim-maiden-thomas-cup-title|access-date=7 June 2014|work=Sbs.com.au|agency=Reuters|publisher=SBS|date=28 May 2014}}

In June, he won the Japan Open for the third consecutive year and fifth time overall.{{cite news|title=June 15th, Ayaka Takahashi/Misaki Matsutomo Achieve Long-Awaited Win in All-Japanese Final; Lee Chong Wei Captures An Unprecedented Fifth Title|url=http://yonexopenjp.com/2014/en/games_0615.html|access-date=16 June 2014|publisher=Nippon Badminton Association|date=15 June 2014|archive-date=3 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103161216/http://yonexopenjp.com/2014/en/games_0615.html|url-status=dead}} He then lost in the semifinals of the Indonesia Open, ending his hopes of nine straight Super Series finals. Due to a serious hamstring injury, Lee withdrew from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in July, also ending his hopes of being the first men's singles shuttler to win 3 back-to-back gold medals at the games.{{cite news|last1=Ming Wai|first1=Tang|title=Chong Wei shown exit by Tago in Jakarta|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/06/21/Chong-Wei-shown-the-exit-by-Tago/|access-date=22 June 2014|work=The Star|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=21 June 2014}}

Lee resumed play in August where he finished second for the third time at the World Championships, losing to Chen Long of China in straight sets.{{cite news|last1=O'Connor|first1=Philip|title=Chen wins world title as Lee falls short again|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/badminton-world-championship-idINKBN0GV0U820140831|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108143400/http://in.reuters.com/article/badminton-world-championship-idINKBN0GV0U820140831|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2016|access-date=1 September 2014|publisher=Reuters|date=1 September 2014}} He again lost to Chen in the semifinals of Asian Games team competition,{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Chen Long Slays Lee Chong Wei as China Reach Badminton Final|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2014/news/230256-asian-games-chen-long-slays-lee-chong-wei-as-china-reach-badminton-final|access-date=9 October 2014|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=NDTV Sports|date=22 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015234351/http://sports.ndtv.com/asian-games-2014/news/230256-asian-games-chen-long-slays-lee-chong-wei-as-china-reach-badminton-final|archive-date=15 October 2014|url-status=dead}} and to Lin Dan in the semifinals of the singles event a few days later.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Lin Dan shatters Lee Chong Wei's golden dreams|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/2014-asian-games/asian-games-lin-dan-shatters-lee-chong-weis-golden-dreams_1477156.html|access-date=9 October 2014|agency=AFP|publisher=Zee News|date=28 September 2014}}

In October 2014, local media reported that the Badminton Association of Malaysia confirmed that one of the nation's top shuttlers tested positive for dexamethasone after urine samples were taken during the World Championships in late August.{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Ajitpal|last2=Peters|first2=Fabian|title=BAM: Top national shuttler fails doping test|url=http://www.nst.com.my/node/44931|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023235342/http://www.nst.com.my/node/44931|archive-date=2014-10-23|access-date=8 November 2014|publisher=New Straits Times Online|date=21 October 2014}} The identity of the shuttler was not revealed but was widely believed to be Lee Chong Wei. Dexamethasone is not a performance-enhancing drug but a commonly administered anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that is not illegal when used off-season for injury rehabilitation, but deemed illegal if discovered in an athlete's body during competition.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=New twist to Chong Wei's doping investigation|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/11/06/New-development-to-Chong-Weis-doping-investigation/|access-date=8 November 2014|work=The Star Online|date=6 November 2014}}

On 5 November 2014, Lee flew to Norway to witness the testing of his "B" sample at the Oslo University Hospital after the "A" sample had already tested positive in October.{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Ajitpal|title=Lee Chong Wei leaves to Oslo for his urine test|url=http://www.nst.com.my/node/49095|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103222013/http://www.nst.com.my/node/49095|archive-date=2014-11-03|access-date=8 November 2014|publisher=New Straits Times Online|date=3 November 2014}} The results were announced on 8 November 2014 by a Malaysian sports official who confirmed that the "B" sample had tested positive as well. He declined to identify the player but confirmed to The Associated Press that it was Lee.{{cite news|title=Badminton's world No1 Lee Chong Wei fails doping test|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/08/lee-chong-wei-badminton-world-no1-fails-doping-test|access-date=8 November 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=The Guardian|date=8 November 2014}}

On 11 November 2014, the Badminton World Federation confirmed that Lee was temporarily suspended from competing due to an apparent anti-doping regulation violation.{{cite news|last1=Osborne|first1=Paul|title=Badminton world number one provisionally suspended over doping violation|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/badminton/1023739-badminton-world-number-one-provisionally-suspended-over-doping-violation|access-date=11 November 2014|publisher=inside the games|date=11 November 2014}} The hearing was held on 11 April 2015 in Amsterdam.{{cite news|last1=Naidu|first1=Sumisha|title=Badminton: Lee Chong Wei to appeal against doping suspension|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/lee-chong-wei-to-appeal/1706302.html|access-date=11 March 2015|publisher=Channel News Asia|date=11 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312155757/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/lee-chong-wei-to-appeal/1706302.html|archive-date=12 March 2015|url-status=dead}}

On 27 April 2015, it was announced that Lee had been handed a backdated eight-month ban for his anti-doping rule violation. The panel was convinced that Lee had no intent to cheat and allowed him to resume his career by 1 May 2015. Lee was stripped of his silver medal from the 2014 World Championships but allowed to keep his two bronze medals from the 2014 Asian Games.{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei: Badminton star given eight-month ban for doping|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/badminton/32478719|access-date=27 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=27 April 2015}}

The Sudirman Cup was Lee's first tournament after serving an eight-month suspension for a doping violation. He went on to win all three matches he played in the tournament.{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=Life goes on for Chong Wei after Sudirman Cup exit|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2015/05/15/Chong-Wei-moving-on-next-target-after-Sudirman-Cup/|access-date=20 May 2015|work=The Star|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=15 May 2015}} He then took back to back titles by winning the US Open and Canada Open.{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei wins Canada Open to take back-to-back titles|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/sports/badminton/lee-chong-wei-wins-canada-open-to-take-back-to-back-titles_1621798.html|access-date=8 July 2015|agency=Reuters|publisher=Zee News|date=29 June 2015}} Lee again had to settle for second place at the World Championships as he lost to Chen Long in the final.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Chen beats Lee to retain world crown in Jakarta|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/badminton-chen-beats-lee/2053956.html|access-date=7 December 2015|publisher=Channel News Asia|date=22 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220113608/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/badminton-chen-beats-lee/2053956.html|archive-date=20 December 2015}}

After the World Championships, Lee endured three early-round exits. First, in the second round of the Japan Open,{{cite news|title=Chong Wei falters in the second round of Japan Open to Lin Dan|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2015/09/10/chong-wei-fell-to-lin-dan/|access-date=7 December 2015|work=The Star|date=10 September 2015}} followed by the qualifying rounds of the Korea Open,{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title='Troubled' Chong Wei crashes out in Korean Open qualifiers|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2015/09/15/troubled-chong-wei-crashes-out-in-korean-open-qualifiers/|access-date=7 December 2015|work=The Star|date=15 September 2015}} and then in the second round of Denmark Open.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei out of Denmark Open|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2015/10/16/chong-wei-lost-to-wei-nan-in-denmark/|access-date=7 December 2015|work=The Star|date=16 October 2015}}

After three early-round losses, Lee bounced back to win the French Open,{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins French Open title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/10/25/chong-wei-wins-french-open/|access-date=7 December 2015|work=The Star|date=25 October 2015}} followed by his first ever China Open title, thus making him the first-ever men's singles shuttler to have won all Super Series titles.{{cite news|title=China Open Badminton 2015: Lee Chong Wei stuns Chen Long to sweep Superseries set|url=http://www.allenglandbadminton.com/china-open-badminton-2015-lee-chong-wei-stuns-chen-long-to-sweep-superseries-set/|access-date=7 December 2015|publisher=Allenglandbadminton.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105143456/http://www.allenglandbadminton.com/china-open-badminton-2015-lee-chong-wei-stuns-chen-long-to-sweep-superseries-set/|archive-date=5 January 2016}} The following week, Lee won the Hong Kong Open.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins Hong Kong Open|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/11/113192/chong-wei-wins-hong-kong-open|access-date=7 December 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=22 November 2015}} However Lee did not qualify for the Super Series Finals, ending the year with three back-to-back titles.

In January, Lee won his fifth Malaysia Masters title.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins Malaysia Masters|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/01/24/chong-wei-wins-malaysian-masters|access-date=25 January 2016|work=The Star|date=24 January 2016}} In March, Lee lost in the first round of All England Open,{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=Chong Wei crashes out of All-England|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/03/10/chong-wei-exit-all-england/|access-date=8 June 2016|work=The Star Online|date=10 March 2016}} and also in the second round of the India Open.{{cite news|last1=Vasavda|first1=Mihir|title=India Open: Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei get shock treatment|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/badminton/india-open-super-lin-dan-lee-chong-wei-get-shock-treatment/|access-date=8 June 2016|publisher=The Indian Express|date=1 April 2016}} In April, Lee won his 11th Malaysia Open title,{{cite news|last1=Peter|first1=Fabian|title=Chong Wei crowned Malaysia Open champion for the 11th time|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/04/138405/chong-wei-crowned-malaysia-open-champion-11th-time|access-date=8 June 2016|publisher=New Straits Times|date=10 April 2016}} then followed by his second Badminton Asia Championships title.{{cite news|last1=Sukumar|first1=Dev|last2=Leung|first2=Edwin|title=Lee Chong Wei Masters Chen Long Again – Finals: Dong Feng Citroen Badminton Asia Championships|url=http://bwfbadminton.com/2016/05/01/lee-chong-wei-masters-chen-long-again-finals-dong-feng-citroen-badminton-asia-championships/|access-date=8 June 2016|work=Badminton World Federation|publisher=bwfbadminton.org|date=1 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701205402/http://bwfbadminton.com/2016/05/01/lee-chong-wei-masters-chen-long-again-finals-dong-feng-citroen-badminton-asia-championships/|archive-date=1 July 2016}} At the Thomas Cup in May, Malaysia lost to eventual winners Denmark in the semi-finals despite Lee winning all the matches he contested in the tournament.{{cite news|first1=Teik Huat|last1=Lim|title=Chong Wei bent on Olympic gold after Thomas Cup collapse|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/05/23/chong-wei-fired-up-olympic-gold/|access-date=8 June 2016|work=The Star Online|date=23 May 2016}} In June, Lee won his 6th and record-equaling Indonesia Open title, becoming the third shuttler and first non-Indonesian to win the title six times.{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=Chong Wei wins sixth Indonesia Open title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/06/05/chong-wei-wins-indonesia-open/|access-date=8 June 2016|work=The Star Online|date=5 June 2016}} He was set to play in the Australian Open, but withdrew due to a muscle injury.{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=Chong Wei withdraws from Australian Open with muscle injury|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/06/07/chong-wei-withdraws-from-australian-open-with-muscle-injury/|access-date=12 June 2016|work=The Star Online|date=7 June 2016}}

On 5 August 2016, Lee led the Malaysia contingent during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.{{cite news|last1=Rai|first1=Vijesh|title=(Olympics) Chong Wei leads Malaysian contingent out at Maracana Stadium|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/163460/olympics-chong-wei-leads-malaysian-contingent-out-maracana-stadium|access-date=21 August 2016|work=New Straits Times Online|publisher=nst.com.my|date=6 August 2016}} In the men's singles competition he made it to the final, defeating his longtime rival Lin Dan in the semifinals in a dominating performance.{{cite news|title=Rio Olympics 2016: Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei beats Lin Dan to make badminton final|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/37134419|access-date=21 August 2016|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC.com|date=19 August 2016}} However, he was defeated by Chen Long in the final, his third successive defeat in the final of the Olympic Games.{{cite news|last1=May|first1=Chen|title=Olympics: China's Chen Long defeats world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei to win badminton gold|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/olympics-chinas-chen-long-defeats-world-no1-lee-chong-wei-to-win-badminton-gold|access-date=21 August 2016|work=The Straits Times|publisher=Straitstimes.com|date=20 August 2016}}

In September, Lee won his sixth Japan Open title.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei stays dominant in Japan Open with sixth title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/09/25/chong-wei-wins-japan-open/|access-date=5 January 2017|work=The Star|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=25 September 2016}} Since then, Lee has failed to win any tournament he participated in: he was defeated in the third round of the Denmark Open,{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Ajitpal|title=(Badminton) Chong Wei sent packing from Denmark Open|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/10/182434/badminton-chong-wei-sent-packing-denmark-open|access-date=5 January 2017|work=New Straits Times|publisher=nst.com.my|date=22 October 2016}} pulled out from the French Open due to a hamstring injury,{{cite news|last1=Ramesh|first1=Akshay|title=Lee Chong Wei pulls out of French Open 2016 badminton due to injury|url=http://www.ibtimes.sg/lee-chong-wei-pulls-out-french-open-2016-badminton-due-injury-4243|access-date=5 January 2017|work=International Business Times|publisher=ibtimes.sg|date=27 October 2016}} and ended the year with a group stage exit in the Super Series Finals.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei's Dubai journey ends|url=http://www.sports247.my/v1/2016/12/chong-weis-dubai-journey-ends/|access-date=5 January 2017|work=Sports247|publisher=Sports247.my|date=17 December 2016}}

He started 2017 season with his fourth win in All England Open.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei wins fourth All-England title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/12/chong-wei-wins-fourth-all-england-title/|access-date=12 March 2017|work=The Star|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=12 March 2016}} He nearly missed out on the tournament after tearing the medial collateral ligament during a training session at the new Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), this caused his feud with technical director Morten Frost, as Frost was not receptive to his complaint, asking for the slippery mats to be replaced.{{cite news|last1=Peter|first1=Fabian|title=Badminton: Chong Wei blasts Frost|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/02/210651/badminton-chong-wei-blasts-frost|access-date=25 March 2017|work=New Straits Times|publisher=nst.com.my|date=8 February 2017}} Lee lost to Lin Dan for two consecutive tournaments, the first in the final of Malaysia Open,{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Lin Dan nails his first Malaysian Open title|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/04/10/the-wait-is-finally-over/|access-date=15 May 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=10 April 2017}} and the second in semifinals of Badminton Asia Championships.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Lin Dan gets better of Lee Chong Wei again|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/lin-dan-gets-the-measure-of-lee-again|access-date=15 May 2017|work=The Straits Times|publisher=Straitstimes.com|date=30 April 2017}}

In May, Lee won all the matches he contested during the Sudirman Cup.{{cite news|title=Lee Chong Wei's win not enough to carry Malaysia into Sudirman Cup semis|url=http://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/10231-lee-chong-weis-win-not-enough-carry-malaysia-sudirman-cup-semis.html|access-date=23 August 2017|work=BadmintonPlanet.com|publisher=BadmintonPlanet.com|date=27 May 2017}} A month after, he lost in the second round of Indonesia Open.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei out of Indonesian Open|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/06/15/chong-wei-out-of-indonesian-open/|access-date=23 August 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=15 June 2017}} In August, Lee was upset by Brice Leverdez in the first round of the World Championships,{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=Badminton World Championships: Lee Chong Wei stunned by Frenchman Brice Leverdez|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lee-chong-wei-brice-leverdez-badminton-world-championships/1/1031864.html|access-date=23 August 2017|work=indiatoday in|date=23 August 2017}} soon after, he apologises to Malaysians for his defeat in his Twitter account but received some touching reply from the fans.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei Apologises To M'sians For His Defeat, Receives Touching Responses From Fans Including Indonesians|url=http://www.malaysiandigest.com/features/694252-chong-wei-apologises-to-m-sians-for-his-defeat-receives-touching-responses-from-fans-including-indos.html|access-date=23 August 2017|publisher=Malaysiandigest.com|date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823095447/http://malaysiandigest.com/features/694252-chong-wei-apologises-to-m-sians-for-his-defeat-receives-touching-responses-from-fans-including-indos.html|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=usurped}}

In September, he lost in his 100th career final, the Japan Open.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Axelsen downs Chong Wei to claim Japan Open title|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/09/24/axelsen-downs-chong-wei-to-win-japan-open/|access-date=26 November 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=24 September 2017}} He was knocked off in the early rounds of next three Super Series tournament, second round of Denmark Open,{{cite news|last1=Talkah|first1=Helmi|title=Chong Wei crashes out of Denmark Open days before 35th birthday|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2017/10/293001/chong-wei-crashes-out-denmark-open-days-35th-birthday|access-date=26 November 2017|work=New Straits Times|publisher=nst.com.my|date=20 October 2017}} first round of French Open,{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=Chong Wei goes down to Kenta in French Open first round|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/10/26/from-bad-to-worse-chong-wei-goes-down-to-kenta-in-french-open-first-round/|access-date=26 November 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=26 October 2017}} and quarter-finals of the China Open.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei exits China Open|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/11/17/chong-wei-exits-china-open/|access-date=26 November 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=17 November 2017}} He won the Hong Kong Open title, only his second title this year.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei beats Chen Long to end eight-month title drought in style|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/11/26/chong-wei-beats-chen-long-end-eight-month-title-drought-style|access-date=26 November 2017|work=the Sun daily|publisher=thesundaily.my|date=26 November 2017|archive-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126175131/http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/11/26/chong-wei-beats-chen-long-end-eight-month-title-drought-style|url-status=dead}}

He ended the year with lost in the final of Super Series Finals.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Lee Chong Wei fails in bid for fifth world title|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/12/18/lee-chong-wei-fails-world-championship/|access-date=18 December 2017|work=The Star Online|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=18 December 2017}}

Lee won his fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal in April,{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Jonathan|title=Commonwealth Games: Malaysian Lee Chong Wei beats Indian world No. 1 Srikanth Kidambi to claim badminton singles gold|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-malaysian-lee-chong-wei-beats-indian-world-no-1-srikanth-kidambi-to-claim|access-date=29 May 2018|work=The Straits Times|date=15 April 2018}} and settled for silver in the mixed team event.{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei and co collapse in team final defeat to India|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/04/09/chong-wei-and-co-collapse-in-team-final-defeat-to-india/|access-date=29 May 2018|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=9 April 2018}}

He failed to win any World Tour titles in first half of the year. He bowed out in the first round of Malaysia Masters, a tournament which he claimed he did not intend to participate in,{{cite news|last1=Peter|first1=Fabian|title=Chong Wei out of Malaysia Masters|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2018/01/326161/chong-wei-out-malaysia-masters|access-date=29 May 2018|work=New Straits Times|publisher=nst.com.my|date=17 January 2018}} third round of All England Open,{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei loses to Lin Dan in All-England|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/03/17/chong-wei-loses-to-lin-dan/|access-date=29 May 2018|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=17 March 2018}} and semi-finals of Badminton Asia Championships.{{cite news|last1=Talkah|first1=Helmi|title=Momota ends Chong Wei's run in Wuhan|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2018/04/363111/momota-ends-chong-weis-run-wuhan|access-date=29 May 2018|work=New Straits Times|publisher=nst.com.my|date=28 April 2018}}

In the team event, Lee managed to win all his matches, in both the Badminton Asia Team Championships and Thomas Cup. Malaysia reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals in the respective events.{{cite news|first1=Zheng Guan|last1=Kng|title=China down Malaysia in Asia Team Badminton Championships semis|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/02/10/china-beat-malaysia/|access-date=29 May 2018|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=10 February 2018}}{{cite news|title=Chong Wei to be more selective about tournaments after last Cup outing|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/05/27/chong-wei-to-be-more-selective-about-tournaments-after-last-cup-outing/|access-date=29 May 2018|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=27 May 2018}}

In July 2018, Lee extended his own record at the Malaysia Open, taking a 12th title in his 14th final,{{cite news|title=Badminton: Lee Chong Wei nets amazing 12th title in Malaysia Open by overwhelming Kento Momota|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-lee-chong-wei-nets-amazing-12th-title-in-malaysia-open-by-overwhelming-kento-momota|access-date=26 July 2018|work=The Straits Times|date=1 July 2018}} and reached the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open.{{cite news |title=Chong Wei's bid for 7th Indonesian Open title over |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/07/07/chong-wei-bid-for-7th-indonesian-open-title-over/|access-date=26 July 2018|work=The Star Online|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=7 July 2018}} A week before the World Championships, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced that Lee would not be able to take part in the championships and also the Asian Games as he has to undergo treatment for a respiratory-related disorder. His participation in these two tournaments was in doubt even before the announcement after media reported that he was absent from the training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2018/07/25/a-major-blow-respiratory-problem-sidelines-chong-wei-from-world-meet-and-asiad/|title=Respiratory problem sidelines Chong Wei from world meet and Asiad|last=Tan|first=Ming Wai|date=25 July 2018|website=The Star Online|access-date=25 July 2018}} He was diagnosed with early stage of nasopharynx cancer and received treatment in Taiwan.{{cite news|last=Lee|first=David|title=Badminton star Lee Chong Wei being treated for nose cancer|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/badminton-star-lee-chong-wei-being-treated-for-nose-cancer|access-date=18 October 2018|work=The Straits Times|agency=Reuters, Xinhua|date=23 September 2018}}

On 13 June 2019, Lee announced his retirement after almost a year since he was diagnosed with nose cancer and failed to return to competition despite dropping several hints that he would make a return in early 2019. This ended his 19-year-long international badminton career. The retirement came under his doctor's advice to avoid high-intensity training to avoid a relapse of his cancer.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Malaysian great Lee Chong Wei confirms his retirement|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-malaysian-great-lee-chong-wei-confirms-his-retirement|access-date=13 June 2019|work=The Straits Times|publisher=Straitstimes.com|date=13 June 2019}}{{cite news|title=BREAKING: Legendary Malaysian badminton player Lee Chong Wei announces his retirement|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/badminton/1117601/breaking-legendary-malaysian-badminton-player-lee-chong-wei-announces-his-retirement/|access-date=13 June 2019|work=Fox Sports|publisher=foxsportsasia.com|date=13 June 2019}}

Members of the media and players alike paid tribute to him after the announcement.{{cite news|title=You'll always be a hero for us: Carolina Marin leads tributes on Twitter to retiring Lee Chong Wei|url=https://scroll.in/field/926899/youll-always-be-a-hero-for-us-carloina-marin-leads-tributes-on-twitter-to-retiring-lee-chong-wei|access-date=14 June 2019|work=Scroll.in|date=13 June 2019}} His career-long rival, Lin Dan, wrote on Sina Weibo that he now has to "head into battle alone, as he no longer has a companion anymore (独自上场没人陪我了)", and shared a song titled "Don't Cry, Friend" (朋友别哭).{{cite news|title=Lin Dan pays tribute as Chong Wei calls it a day|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/06/14/lin-dan-pays-tribute-as-chong-wei-calls-it-a-day/|access-date=14 June 2019|work=Borneo Post Online|publisher=theborneopost.com|date=14 June 2019}}

Lee received RM 300,000 on 21 August 2008, as a reward for his silver medal effort in the 2008 Olympic Games. Also, he received RM 3,000 a month as a lifetime pension beginning in August 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20080820-83229.html|title=$1,300 pension for Malaysian shuttler |date=20 August 2008|publisher=asiaonenews|access-date=24 November 2008}} He was appointed as the UNICEF Malaysia's National Ambassador in February 2009.{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/malaysian-badminton-star-lee-to-be-unicef-ambassador-1.53571|title=Malaysian badminton star Lee to be UNICEF ambassador|date=27 February 2009|publisher=gulfnews.com|access-date=28 February 2009}}

He was in a relationship with Wong Mew Choo, his teammate. In 2009, Lee and Wong announced they are no longer together during the 2009 World Championships in Hyderabad, India. However, Lee announced his reconciliation with Mew Choo after winning a silver medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics.{{cite news|title=Shuttler courts question marks over marriage date |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/8/8/nation/11816530&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810231106/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F8%2Fnation%2F11816530&sec=nation |archive-date=10 August 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=8 August 2012 |url-status=dead }} They were married on 9 November 2012,{{cite news|last1=Shagar |first1=Loshana K |last2=Lim |first2=Yvonne |title=Chong Wei, Mew Choo hold grand and glitzy wedding reception |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/11/9/nation/20121109220320&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109154835/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F11%2F9%2Fnation%2F20121109220320&sec=nation |archive-date= 9 November 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |newspaper=The Star |date=9 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} and have three children, Kingston, Terrance and Anson who were born in April 2013, July 2015 and November 2022 respectively.{{cite news|title=Chong Wei to name his son, due to be born today Kingston Lee |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/4/12/nation/12960401&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413082810/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2013%2F4%2F12%2Fnation%2F12960401&sec=nation |archive-date=13 April 2013 |access-date=13 April 2013 |newspaper=The Star |date=12 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Rajes|title=Chong Wei at ease after birth of second son|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2015/07/09/Chong-Wei-at-ease-after-birth-of-second-son/|access-date=11 July 2015|newspaper=The Star|date=9 July 2015}}{{cite news|title=Chong Wei, Mew Choo welcome third child|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/11/28/chong-wei-mew-choo-welcome-third-child|access-date=28 November 2022|work=The Star|date=28 November 2022}}

On 16 March 2011, Lee received Permodalan Nasional Berhad shares worth RM100,000 after his triumph in the All England Open.{{cite news|title=PM presents PNB shares to Lee Chong Wei|url=http://www.bam.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2340:pm-presents-pnb-shares-to-lee-chong-wei&catid=46:latest-news&Itemid=181|access-date=17 March 2011|newspaper=BAM|date=16 March 2011}} He was appointed as KDU University College ambassador on 31 July 2011.{{cite news|title=Top shuttler's new role|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Edvantage/Story/A1Story20110731-291929.html|access-date=14 August 2011|newspaper=asiaone|date=31 July 2011}} Lee's autobiography Dare to be a Champion was officially published on 18 January 2012.{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Rajes|title=Chong Wei and Lin Dan move into the semis while promoting life stories|url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/12/17/sports/10117329&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108011742/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F12%2F17%2Fsports%2F10117329&sec=sports|archive-date=8 January 2012|access-date=18 December 2011|newspaper=The Star|date=17 December 2011|url-status=dead}}

Below is the list of awards won by Lee. Lee also won the lifetime athlete award in 2016.

Lee was conferred Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Ahli Mangku Negara) (AMN) effective 3 June 2006 in conjunction with the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail's 63rd birthday.{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/51996|title=It's now 'Tun' Musa Hitam|language=en|publisher=Malaysiakini|date=3 June 2006|access-date=2 August 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mstar.com.my/berita/berita-semasa/2009/06/06/chong-wei-penerima-kedua-anugerah-darjah-bakti/|title=Chong Wei penerima kedua Anugerah Darjah Bakti|language=ms|work=Bernama|publisher=mStar|date=6 June 2009|access-date=2 August 2018|archive-date=2 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802102113/http://www.mstar.com.my/berita/berita-semasa/2009/06/06/chong-wei-penerima-kedua-anugerah-darjah-bakti/|url-status=dead}}

On 30 August 2008, Lee, aged 26 at that time was made Officer of the Order of the Defender of State (Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri) (DSPN), which carried the title "Dato'" by the Governor of Penang, Abdul Rahman Abbas, following his achievement at the 2008 Summer Olympics.{{cite news|publisher=asiaonenews|access-date=24 November 2008|url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20080820-83288.html|title=Datukship for Lee Chong Wei |date=20 August 2008}}

On 6 June 2009, Lee became the second of only two recipients to date of the Order of Merit (Darjah Bakti) (DB), receiving the honour from Mizan Zainal Abidin in conjunction with His Majesty the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's official birthday.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/print/29267|title=Chong Wei receives Darjah Bakti award|publisher=newsabahtimes.com.my|access-date=15 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144821/http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/print/29267|archive-date=2 April 2015}}

On 5 July 2012, Lee was conferred the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Honorary) of the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve Unit.{{cite web|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/06/chong-wei-receives-honorary-lieutenant-commander-rank/|title=Chong Wei receives honorary lieutenant commander rank|date=5 July 2012}} On 7 October 2016, Lee was promoted to the rank of Commander (Honorary) in recognition of his achievement at the 2016 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/06/its-commander-lee-of-the-navy-reserve-unit|access-date=3 October 2021|date=6 October 2016|title=It's Commander Lee of the navy reserve unit|first=Jastin Ahmad|last=Tarmizi|publisher=thestar.com.my|work=The Star}}{{cite web|url=http://malaysiandigest.com/frontpage/29-4-tile/635844-congratulations-commander-lee-chong-wei.html|title=Congratulations, Commander Lee Chong Wei|access-date=30 November 2016|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133359/http://malaysiandigest.com/frontpage/29-4-tile/635844-congratulations-commander-lee-chong-wei.html|url-status=usurped}}

On 15 October 2016, Lee was conferred Knight Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (Darjah Cemerlang Seri Melaka) (DCSM), carrying the title of "Datuk Wira", from the 6th Governor of Malacca, Mohd Khalil Yaakob.{{cite news|title=Khalil pesan Chong Wei terus berjuang untuk negara|url=http://www.bharian.com.my/node/202467|access-date=27 October 2016|work=Berita Harian|date=15 October 2016|language=ms|publisher=bharian.com.my}}

Lee was made Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (Panglima Jasa Negara) (PJN) effective 9 September 2017, which carries the title "Datuk", by the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Muhammad V in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday.{{cite news|title=Chief Justice heads honours list|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/09/09/chief-justice-heads-honours-list-a-total-of-1518-conferred-awards-in-conjunction-with-kings-official/|access-date=27 December 2017|work=The Star|publisher=thestar.com.my|date=9 September 2017}}{{cite news|title=国家元首授予PJN拿督勋衔 宗伟壮志征韩日|url=http://www.kwongwah.com.my/?p=387098|access-date=27 December 2017|work=Kwong Wah Yit Poh|publisher=kwongwah.com.my|date=10 September 2017|language=zh|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062505/http://www.kwongwah.com.my/?p=387098|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/lain-lain/2017/09/323100/chong-wei-nicol-ketuai-atlet-terima-pingat|language=ms|access-date=3 October 2021|date=9 September 2017|first=Naqib|title=Chong Wei, Nicol ketuai atlet terima pingat|last=Nor Said|work=Berita Harian|publisher=bharian.com.my}}

On 1 October 2021, Lee was announced as one of 10 recipients to be made a Justice of the Peace (JP) in conjunction with the 68th-birthday of the 10th Governor of Sabah, Juhar Mahiruddin.{{cite web|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2021/10/761510/bung-moktar-lee-chong-wei-antara-penerima-darjah-kebesaran-sabah|language=ms|access-date=2 October 2021|date=1 October 2021|title=Bung Moktar, Lee Chong Wei antara penerima darjah kebesaran Sabah|last=Abdullah|first=Izwan|publisher=Harian Metro}} On 2 December 2021, Lee was conferred an honorary doctorate in sports science by Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the 8th Raja of Perlis and chancellor of the Science University of Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM), in conjunction with the university's 58th convocation ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/11/749778/chong-wei-among-usms-honours-recipients|date=29 November 2021|accessdate=2 December 2021|title=Chong Wei among USM's honours recipients|first=Audrey|last=Dermawan|publisher=New Straits Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.utusan.com.my/terkini/2021/11/lee-chong-wei-antara-penerima-anugerah-ijazah-kehormat-usm/|language=ms|date=29 November 2021|accessdate=2 December 2021|title=Lee Chong Wei antara penerima anugerah Ijazah Kehormat USM|first=Safina|last=Ramli|work=Utusan Malaysia}}

On 26 May 2023, Lee was inducted into the BWF's Hall of Fame along with long-time rival, Lin Dan at Kuala Lumpur.

• Malaysia:
• Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (AMN) (2006)
• Recipient of the Order of Merit (DB) (2009)
• Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service (PJN) – Datuk (2017)
• Penang:
• Officer of the Order of the Defender of State (DSPN) – Dato' (2008)
• Malacca:
• Knight Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DCSM) – Datuk Wira (2016)
• Sabah:
• Justice of the Peace (JP) (2021)

{{further|Lee Chong Wei career statistics}}

: {{Color box|#ccffcc|border=darkgray}} Super Series tournament

: {{Color box|#ffffcc|border=darkgray}} Grand Prix Gold and Grand Prix tournament

In December 2017, the first trailer for his biopic movie was released.{{cite news|title=First trailer out for Lee Chong Wei biopic|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/12/21/first-trailer-out-for-lee-chong-wei-biopic/|access-date=22 December 2017|work=The Star Online|date=21 December 2017}} Entitled Lee Chong Wei, the biopic premiered on 9 March 2018 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, and was released nationwide on 15 March 2018.{{cite news|last1=Kho|first1=Gordon|title=Movie premiere is the Wei to go|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/01/18/movie-premiere-is-the-wei-to-go/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Star|publisher=Thestar.com.my|date=18 January 2018}}

• Lee–Lin rivalry

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• {{BWFB|50152}}
• {{BWFT|2E62073C-AD95-40BE-8364-0A2EC054A4AC|member_id=50152}}
• {{Olympedia}}
• {{Olympics.com}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports|oly}}

{{succession box

| before = Pandelela Rinong

| title = Flagbearer for {{MAS}}

| years = Rio de Janeiro 2016

| after = Lee Zii Jia
Goh Liu Ying

}}

{{s-end}}

{{commons category|Lee Chong Wei}}

{{Footer All England Open Championships Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Footer BWF Super Series Masters Finals men's singles champions}}

{{Footer Asian Champions Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Malaysia medal winners at the Olympic Games}}

{{Anugerah Sukan Negara for Sportsman of the Year}}

{{BWF Player of the Year}}

{{Badminton Hall of Fame members}}

{{Portal bar|Malaysia|Biography|Sports}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee, Chong Wei}}

Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Badminton players from Perak

Category:Malaysian sportspeople of Chinese descent

Category:Malaysian people of Hokkien descent

Category:Malaysian male badminton players

Category:Badminton players at the 2004 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic badminton players for Malaysia

Category:Olympic silver medalists for Malaysia

Category:Olympic medalists in badminton

Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2006 Commonwealth Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2010 Commonwealth Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for Malaysia

Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for Malaysia

Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in badminton

Category:Badminton players at the 2006 Asian Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2014 Asian Games

Category:Asian Games silver medalists for Malaysia

Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for Malaysia

Category:Asian Games medalists in badminton

Category:Medalists at the 2006 Asian Games

Category:Medalists at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Medalists at the 2014 Asian Games

Category:Competitors at the 2003 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2005 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2015 SEA Games

Category:SEA Games gold medalists for Malaysia

Category:SEA Games bronze medalists for Malaysia

Category:SEA Games medalists in badminton

Category:World No. 1 badminton players

Category:Recipients of the Order of Merit of Malaysia

Category:Members of the Order of the Defender of the Realm

Category:Commanders of the Order of Meritorious Service

Category:Malaysian sportspeople in doping cases

Category:Doping cases in badminton

Category:Medallists at the 2006 Commonwealth Games

Category:Medallists at the 2010 Commonwealth Games

Category:Medallists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games