Helena Frye
Lin Dan, widely regarded as the greatest badminton player of all time, started playing badminton at the age of five. Born on October 14, 1983, in Fujian, China, Lin was encouraged by his parents to learn to play the piano. However, he chose badminton instead, inspired by watching other children train. Lin began his badminton training at the age of five and joined the People's Liberation Army sports team after winning the national junior championship at the age of twelve. He was selected for the Chinese National Badminton Team at the age of eighteen in 2001, marking the beginning of his professional career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Lin Dan started playing badminton | 1988 |
| Age when he started playing badminton | 5 |
| Year he started his professional career | 2001 |
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What You'll Learn
Lin Dan started playing badminton aged five
Lin Dan is a former professional badminton player from China. He is widely regarded as the greatest badminton player of all time. Nicknamed "Super Dan", he is the only player to have achieved a 'Golden Grand Slam', winning titles at every major tournament, including the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, All England Open, Asia Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, and Sudirman Cup.
Lin Dan started playing badminton at the age of five. He was inspired to take up the sport after watching other children train. At such a young age, he embarked on rigorous training and developed a passion for badminton that would shape his future. By the time he was twelve, he had won the National Junior Championships and was scouted by the People's Liberation Army Sports Team.
In 2000, Lin Dan won the boys' singles championship in the national youth competition and received the People's Liberation Army's support. He also emerged victorious in both team and singles events at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships. The following year, in 2001, Lin Dan made his international debut at the Asian Championships in the Philippines, competing for China. This marked the beginning of his professional career, as he was selected to join the Chinese National Badminton Team at the age of eighteen.
Lin Dan's early interest in badminton paid off, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful badminton players in history. His dedication and talent were evident from a young age, and he went on to dominate the badminton world for over a decade. Lin Dan's achievements include winning gold in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first male player to retain an Olympic singles title. He also completed the "Super Grand Slam" by the age of twenty-eight, winning all nine major badminton tournaments available.
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He joined the People's Liberation Army sports team aged 12
Lin Dan is a former professional badminton player from China with a highly successful career. He is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, five-time World Championship gold medallist, and a twenty-time world champion across various tournaments.
Dan's journey to becoming a badminton legend began at a young age. He first picked up a badminton racket at the age of five, inspired by watching other children train. His parents encouraged him to learn to play the piano and become a pianist, but Dan's heart was set on badminton.
At the age of twelve, Dan's passion and talent for the sport were already evident. He won the National Junior Championships, an impressive feat that caught the attention of the People's Liberation Army Sports Team. They recognised his potential and enlisted him into their team, marking the beginning of his journey towards becoming a professional athlete.
Being part of the People's Liberation Army Sports Team provided Dan with the necessary support and resources to develop his skills and pursue his dream. It offered him access to specialised coaching, rigorous training programmes, and exposure to a competitive environment. Dan dedicated himself to his craft, honing his unique playing style and refining his techniques. He embraced the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance that are synonymous with both military and athletic excellence.
Dan's early success in joining the People's Liberation Army Sports Team at the age of twelve laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. It was a pivotal step that not only shaped his athletic abilities but also instilled in him the discipline and mental fortitude that would contribute to his legendary status in the world of badminton.
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Lin Dan's professional career began in 2001
Lin Dan is a Chinese former professional badminton player. He is widely regarded as the greatest badminton player of all time. Nicknamed "Super Dan", he is the only player to have achieved a 'Golden Grand Slam', winning titles at every major tournament.
Lin Dan's journey to becoming a badminton legend began at a young age. He started playing badminton at the age of five and joined the People's Liberation Army sports team after winning the national junior championship at the age of twelve.
The year 2001 marked the beginning of Lin Dan's professional career when he entered the Chinese national team at the age of eighteen. That year, he made his international debut at the Asian Championships in the Philippines, competing for China. In his first professional final at the Asian Badminton Championships, he was beaten by his fellow countryman Xia Xuanze.
In 2002, Lin Dan secured his first title at the Korea Open. He was also part of China's squad at the Thomas Cup that year, advancing to the semi-finals. However, Lin did not compete in the semi-final match against Malaysia, and China suffered a 1-3 defeat.
Over the years, Lin Dan's rigorous training and passion for badminton paid off, as he went on to dominate the sport for over a decade. He achieved numerous milestones and accolades, including becoming the first player to win three World Championships in 2009 and completing the "Super Grand Slam" by the age of twenty-eight.
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He won his first title in 2002
Lin Dan is widely considered the greatest badminton player of all time. He began playing badminton at the age of five and joined the People's Liberation Army sports team after winning the national junior championship at the age of twelve. In 2001, he was selected for the Chinese National Badminton Team at the age of eighteen, marking the beginning of his professional career.
However, it wasn't until 2002 that Lin Dan won his first title. He achieved this feat at the Korea Open, showcasing his talent and potential on the international stage. This victory served as a stepping stone for Lin Dan, who went on to dominate the badminton world for over a decade.
In 2002, Lin Dan was also part of China's squad in the Thomas Cup. Although they advanced to the semi-finals, Lin Dan did not play in the match against Malaysia, and China was defeated. Nonetheless, his presence on the team further solidified his position within the Chinese national squad.
Lin Dan's first title in 2002 set the tone for his illustrious career. Over the years, he accumulated numerous accolades and became the first player to achieve a "Golden Grand Slam," winning titles at every major tournament, including the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, All England Open, Asia Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, and Sudirman Cup.
By the age of twenty-eight, Lin Dan had completed the "Super Grand Slam," winning all nine major badminton tournaments available. This extraordinary accomplishment solidified his status as a legend in the sport, with his achievements continuing to inspire athletes worldwide.
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Lin Dan is a two-time Olympic gold medallist
Lin Dan is a Chinese former professional badminton player. Nicknamed 'Super Dan' by his fans and the media, he is widely regarded as the greatest badminton player of all time. Dan started playing badminton at the age of five and joined the People's Liberation Army sports team after winning the national junior championship at the age of twelve. He was selected for the Chinese National Badminton Team at the age of eighteen in 2001.
Dan is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, winning his first gold in the men's singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the final, he faced his big rival Lee Chong Wei, from Malaysia, and won in a one-sided match with a score of 21-12, 21-8. Dan became a national superstar and the first men's singles player to win Olympic gold as the first seed.
Four years later, at the 2012 London Olympics, Dan faced Lee Chong Wei once again in the final. This time, he lost the first game but showed extraordinary courage and power to come back and retain his Olympic title, becoming the first male athlete to defend an Olympic singles title.
In addition to his two Olympic gold medals, Dan is also a five-time World Championship gold medallist, two-time World Cup champion, five-time Sudirman Cup gold medallist, and six-time Thomas Cup gold medallist, making him a twenty-time world champion. He completed the "'Super Grand Slam'" by winning all nine major titles in the badminton world at the time.
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Frequently asked questions
Lin Dan started playing badminton at the age of five.
Lin Dan's professional badminton career began in 2001 when he joined the Chinese National Badminton Team at the age of 18.
No, Lin Dan's parents encouraged him to learn to play the piano and become a pianist. However, he chose to play badminton instead.
Lin Dan was inspired to start playing badminton after watching other children train.
Lin Dan's first badminton victory was in 1995 when he won the boys' singles championship in the national youth competition.
