SPM 教育 2016

English Continuous Writing ENGLISH SCORE A+

Write a story about friendship ending with,

“…Now I realised the value of a true friend.” [SPM Trial 2016]

Since I had retired, strolling to the badminton court which was

only a stone’s throw away from my house had become my daily routine. I
liked to relish the moment sitting on the bench to watch those teenage
players playing badminton in the court. As a former badminton player of the
national team, I could not deny that playing badminton used to be a part of
my life. Reminiscing those days I participated in a number of
championships for my country, a familiar figure flashed across my mind. It
was Lin Dan, a vigorous opponent as well as a sincere friend in my life.

Lin Dan was a badminton player of China team who was one year
younger than me. I could still remember the first time I met him. That time I
was only 16. Both of us represented our country to take part in the youth
badminton tournament. He had an excellent badminton skill and he was
nurtured by the China badminton coach. He had a well-tanned complexion
and was well-built. His thick and bushy eyebrows perfectly matched with
chiseled features. However, the first impression he had left to the others was
arrogance. Due to he was the most famous badminton star in China, he was
confident to himself. However, after getting along with him, I started to
realise that he was not as what he seemed. He was a kind-hearted person. To
me, he was my goal. I wished I could defeat him one day.

I had played against him in badminton tournament for 37 times.

The last time I played against him was in the men’s semi-final of Olympic in
Rio, Brazil. It was the most exciting game ever. The whole world was
looking forward to our match. The stadium was crowded with throngs of
spectators. Cheers could be heard everywhere in the stadium. In the depth of
our hearts, both of us knew that it was the last time we joined the Olympic.
Before the match, we had promised to each other that we must meet in the
semi-final. When we were warming up in the court, my heart was palpitating
wildly and Adrenaline surged through my veins. I hoped I could defeat him
in the game.

我 们 的 核 心 是 品 质 ， 我 们 的 使 命 是 教 育
 SPM 教育 2016
English Continuous Writing ENGLISH SCORE A+

Lin Dan was leading for the first set with 21-18. However, I had
successfully won the second set. It finally came to the rubber set. Every
supporter rooted for Lin Dan and I. After playing for 85 minutes, I finally
succeeded to defeat him! I had defeated the vigorous opponent of my life in
my last Olympic. Tears of joy and jubilance welled up in my eyes and they
rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably. I could not hold my excitement as I
finally defeated him. Although I had not won the gold medal, I was satisfied
and overjoyed. Throwing my racket aside, I rushed towards Lin Dan and
embraced him. He flashed me a smile and he whispered against my ear,
“Congratulations, my bro. You finally did it! You deserve the medal!” As
usual, we exchanged our jersey.
On the next day, I had to play against another China player. He
was Chen Long, a young and potential player who was seven years younger
than me. Due to the intense match between Lin Dan and I the day before, I
was fatigued and worn out. To let all the Malaysians down, I had lost the
game. I could not win the gold medal for my country in my last Olympic.
That day, I could not help myself to weep in front of all the spectators. My
heart was sinking down to my toes. At the moment, I heard some steps
walking closer to me. It was not my coach. As I lifted my head, the figure
standing before my eyes was him, Lin Dan. He then squatted down and gave
me a hug. “You’ve done your best! Everyone including the Chinese is proud
of you!” he uttered and patted my shoulder.

I knew that I had won a best friend in my life although I did not get
the gold medal. To my surprise, he was the one who appeared in front of me
when I was down. A friend in need was a friend indeed. Now I realised the
value of a true friend.

我 们 的 核 心 是 品 质 ， 我 们 的 使 命 是 教 育