Malaysia’s Lee lost the last two Olympic finals to his arch-rival Lin Dan of China. And at 33, he knows Rio will be his last shot at Games gold.
“I feel more pressure on my shoulders as after the next four years I think I have no chance, so this is my last chance,” Lee said in Rio.
Lee, who has never won a world or Olympic title, has fought his way back to the top of the rankings after returning from a doping ban last year.
He is seeded to meet Lin in the semi-finals in Rio, with China’s world number two Chen Long playing in the other half of the draw.
Lee has plenty of time to acclimatise to conditions in Rio, as the Olympic badminton competition doesn’t start until August 11.