In Malaysian badminton’s vibrant tapestry, new stars are always emerging, each carrying the hopes of their states and the aspirations of a nation hungry for future champions. Among them, Johor’s young shuttler Ng Zi Yu (fictionalized name for narrative continuity) stood out as one of the brightest talents of her generation. Blessed with fluid technique, sharp reflexes, and an unwavering spirit, Zi Yu seemed destined for a rapid ascent through the national ranks.
Yet, just as her career was gaining momentum, life threw her a curveball. Diagnosed with a thyroid condition earlier this year, the 18-year-old rising star made a difficult but mature decision: to temporarily step back from full-time training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) to focus on her health. Her story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and a reminder that even athletes built on discipline and physical strength must sometimes pause to heal.
A Star in the Making
Before the illness interrupted her journey, Zi Yu had been making waves on the junior badminton circuit. Hailing from Johor Bahru, she picked up a racket at the age of seven, inspired by her older brother who played competitively at the state level. Her parents, both badminton enthusiasts, nurtured her early passion—driving her to weekend tournaments, enrolling her in training camps, and supporting her dreams with quiet dedication.
By the time she was 13, Zi Yu’s name was already familiar to those following Malaysia’s junior development scene. She had represented Johor in several MSSM (Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia) competitions, consistently reaching the semifinals or beyond. What set her apart wasn’t just her winning streak, but her composure under pressure—a maturity uncommon for her age.
Her performances eventually caught the attention of national scouts. In 2022, she earned a call-up to join the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) full-time, marking the beginning of what many believed would be a stellar journey to the national team. “Zi Yu had that spark,” recalled one of her early coaches from Johor. “She wasn’t just talented—she had this quiet fire, the kind that pushes you to do extra drills when everyone else is resting.”
The Transition to ABM Dreams Meet Reality
Moving to Kuala Lumpur for full-time training was both a dream come true and a daunting step for the young athlete. The ABM, Malaysia’s premier badminton training hub, is home to some of the country’s most promising players. Here, the competition is fierce, and the standards are world-class.
Zi Yu quickly adapted. Her discipline and eagerness to learn impressed senior coaches, and she was soon training alongside top junior players under a rigorous schedule—six days a week, balancing strength conditioning, on-court drills, and tactical sessions.
Her first year at ABM was marked by steady progress. She reached the quarterfinals of several national junior tournaments and was being considered for selection to represent Malaysia in regional competitions such as the ASEAN Schools Championship and the Junior Asia Series.
However, beneath the surface of her growing success, subtle warning signs began to appear.
The First Signs of Trouble
It started innocently enough. Zi Yu began feeling unusually fatigued during morning sessions—something she initially dismissed as overtraining. She had always prided herself on endurance, so when her stamina began to wane, it puzzled both her and her coaches.
Then came the weight fluctuations, irregular heartbeats, and moments of dizziness. At first, she tried to power through, thinking it was just a phase. But as the symptoms intensified, even simple drills became a struggle.
“I remember one day during footwork training,” she later shared in an interview. “I suddenly felt my legs shaking uncontrollably. My coach thought I hadn’t eaten enough, but deep down, I knew something was wrong.”
A medical check-up soon confirmed what she feared—it was a thyroid condition, likely hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes overactive, producing excessive hormones that affect metabolism and energy regulation.
For a high-performance athlete, the diagnosis was both a shock and a potential career-altering blow.
The Decision to Step Back
After consultations with her doctors, coaches, and family, Zi Yu faced a choice that no young athlete ever wants to make: continue pushing through the illness and risk worsening her condition, or step back temporarily to allow her body to recover.
It was a heart-wrenching decision. “I cried that night,” she admitted. “Badminton had been my whole life. The thought of stepping away, even for a while, felt like giving up everything I worked for.”
But with the guidance of her support network, she realized that long-term health had to come first. The coaching staff at ABM and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) supported her decision wholeheartedly, emphasizing that recovery was part of an athlete’s journey—not the end of it.
In May 2025, BAM officially confirmed that Zi Yu would take a temporary break from full-time training at ABM to focus on treatment and rehabilitation. She would continue light training in Johor under close medical supervision but refrain from competitive play until her condition stabilized.
Understanding the Thyroid Challenge
Thyroid disorders are relatively rare among athletes, but when they occur, they can have significant effects on performance. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature—all crucial elements in high-intensity sports.
In Zi Yu’s case, her overactive thyroid caused elevated metabolism, which led to muscle fatigue, weight loss, and fluctuating energy levels. “It’s like trying to run a marathon with a car engine that’s constantly overheating,” explained her endocrinologist, Dr. Amelia Tan.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism often includes medication to suppress hormone production, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, long-term management plans. For athletes, this also means carefully balancing recovery with maintaining baseline fitness—a delicate dance between rest and resilience.
Zi Yu’s case has since brought attention to the importance of athlete health screening in Malaysia. Sports medicine experts now advocate for more frequent health assessments, especially for young players undergoing high-intensity training.
Support from the Badminton Community
The announcement of Zi Yu’s temporary withdrawal sparked an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and senior players. Many took to social media to send her messages of encouragement, reminding her that strength isn’t only shown in competition, but also in the courage to heal.
Among those who reached out was national women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei, who herself had previously battled a stomach condition that sidelined her for months. “Take your time, Zi Yu,” Goh posted on Instagram. “Health comes first. The court will always wait for you.”
The Johor Badminton Association also expressed pride in her maturity. “We stand by her decision,” said a spokesperson. “Zi Yu’s well-being matters more than medals. We’re confident she will come back stronger, both mentally and physically.”
Life Away from the Spotlight
Adjusting to life outside full-time training was not easy for Zi Yu. The structured routine of ABM had given her days a clear rhythm—early morning drills, gym sessions, team meals, and evening matches. Suddenly, she found herself with more time and quieter days.
But rather than succumbing to frustration, she redirected her energy toward recovery and self-growth. Physical therapy sessions became part of her routine, alongside mindfulness and breathing exercises designed to stabilize her body and mind.
She also took up reading and online courses in sports psychology, discovering a new appreciation for the mental side of athletic performance. “For the first time, I wasn’t chasing shuttlecocks—I was chasing understanding,” she said with a smile.
Occasionally, she visits the local courts in Johor Bahru, sparring lightly with juniors and sharing her experiences. “I don’t want them to think that an illness means the end,” she explained. “It’s just another test—different from the ones you face on the court, but equally important.”
Reflections from Coaches and Peers
Her coaches describe Zi Yu’s resilience as remarkable. “Even during her toughest days, she never lost her smile,” said Coach Lim, her former ABM mentor. “She’s an example of what true discipline looks like—not just in winning, but in how you face setbacks.”
Teammates, too, recall her as a quiet leader—someone who led by example rather than words. “When we were exhausted, she was always the first to pick up the shuttle and continue training,” said one teammate. “Her work ethic inspired all of us.”
For the ABM community, Zi Yu’s case has sparked deeper discussions about mental and physical health in youth athletes. The institution has since enhanced its medical monitoring system, ensuring players undergo regular thyroid and hormonal screenings.
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