Bob Malaythong
Photos provided by Bob M.
BIO
Born in Vientiane, Laos on April 10, 1981, Khankham Bob Malaythong will be representing the U.S. in the Men's Badminton doubles at the 2008 Olympics in China. Bob will be the first Laotian American Olympian in the history of the U.S. Olympics and we are proud of his accomplishments. He arrived in the U.S. when he was 9 years old on a tourist Visa in 1990 and gained his citizenship in 2006. Bob and his mother were sponsored by his oldest sister to come to the U.S. leaving behind 5 other siblings back in Laos. His sister had arrived in the U.S. ten years earlier and after just saving enough money she was able to only bring Bob and his mother. Being the youngest of 7 she felt he will adjust faster here in America and that was the beginning of Bob's new life. After spending a few years in Rockville, Maryland, Bob was encouraged to play Badminton by his brother in law and eventually moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he finished his high school education, while living life as a resident athlete at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. He later relocated to Orange, California in 2000 to train for the Olympics at the Orange County Badminton Club training facility.
Graduating from Santa Ana College with an Associate's Degree, Bob took on a coaching job at Villa Park. While coaching at Villa Park High School in Orange County, Bob has led the Badminton Team to six consecutive CIF Championships. Bob left Villa Park High School to pursue an athlete's
ultimate dream, the Olympics. To support his dream, Bob has been working as part-time coach at the facility. He also worked as a dishwasher, burrito maker, cookie baker, and served Olympic athletes at the Colorado Springs training center. At age 27, Khan Bob Malaythong's quest for the Olympic gold is not far from reach. The road to the Olympics has been long and hard, but Bob's determination is stronger than ever. Bob's main goal is to bring home the gold medal back to his family as he returns to Laos this December. He has vowed to himself that he will not go back to Laos until he is successful. With the passing of his father from pancreatic cancer in March of this year, Bob wants to make him proud by winning the gold. His sacrifice and dedication only proves how much this means to his family back in Laos.
Bob and his doubles partner, Vietnamese-born Howard Bach, had brought a new interest and popularity for the sport of Badminton. They appeared in 
the commercial for Vitamin Water with David Ortiz and Brian Urlacher. The commercial ends with David Ortiz smacking a shuttlecock into Bob's leg. It sparked new exposure to the sport of Badminton and has led to an increase in enrollments. Bob Malaythong and his doubles partner, Howard Bach is scheduled to play against South Africa on Tuesday August 12, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM China time. Laoville would like to salute and honor Bob Malaythong for representing our Laotian heritage at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Mark your calendars and turn on your TVs to support Bob Malaythong!
Interview
by Laoville
How did you first get started in the sport of Badminton? What influenced you?
A: I first touch a Badminton racquet in Laos I was around six or seven years old, my friends and I played it in front of the house for fun and never thought anything of it until I moved to the United States. When I moved to Rockville, Maryland in 1990 my brother-in-law brought me to play Badminton at a recreation center and since I played before I could hit the shuttle without missing so he was surprised that an eight year old kid can make contact with the shuttle cleanly. Thus, he trained me and taught me the basics. So I would have to say my brother-in-law was the biggest influence for me. His name is Seo Phimphachanh.
What do you want to say to the people who claims Badminton is not a sport?
A: Well, I can challenge anyone who doesn't believe Badminton is a sport to play with me and I am sure they will change their mind after that. They can also watch me and my partner in the Olympics and see if we don't look like athletes. We put in 6 hours of training five days a week and we are just like any other athletes in major sports the only difference is we don't get paid like them.
How does it feel to be in the Olympics, especially playing for the U.S.A.?
A: After almost 20 years of training and being in the sport for so long, I feel a lot of relief because it has been a long time coming and at times when things were going bad. There were times where I wanted to quit but, if I did that I would have nothing to show for. Playing any sport has high risk and low rewards. Only one percent of the world's population is an Olympian so I am very proud to be one and this country has giving me the opportunity to do so.
What kind of training/preparations did you have to go through to prepare for something this big?
A: We train hard like we always do every day but, we added sports psychology into our game to improve our mental strength, we improve our diet, and we treat our bodies better by getting adjustments with chiropractic and getting deep tissue massage weekly.
As a child, who did you look up to? Who was your hero or role model?
A: I would have to say my dad, who passed away March 17 of this year. He was the definition of strength for me; I have great respect of him and always wanted to make him proud. It's a shame he could not be here to see me play at the Olympics but, I know he's looking down on me and he will give me the strength to overcome.
What advice would you give to a young Badminton athlete dreaming about the Olympics?
A: I would tell them to be patient, stay motivated, and keep grinding because your time will come as long as you put all your heart into it you will be successful in anything you do. This country will open the doors of opportunity for you but, you have to be the one to walk through it. There is no easy way to the top, it will take hard work and dedication because no one will hand you the Gold Medal, you have to go out there and take it.
What do you do for fun besides, playing Badminton?
A: I love to sing karaoke with my friends, go to the movies, go out dancing from time to time, big fan of food because I have been in all types of country and tried almost all kinds of food; I enjoy going to the driving range and batting cages. As long as I am with good company, I am having fun no matter what.
What would you like to say to your Lao fans/Lao people?
A: Best to represent Lao people in a positive way. And I hope I can inspire a new generation of great Laotian athletes because I know we can be great at anything if we are given the chance.
What are your plans for the future?
A: My plan for the future is to stay involved in the sport of Badminton and promote the game throughout the United States. I have created my own website so I can stay in contact with those who are interested in the sport or want to take their game to the next level. I have accepted a coaching job in Marblehead, Mass. to coach a youth program there so I will be a full time coach. If there's anyone who is interested in Badminton just contact me at my website
TheFirstLao.com
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