Amanda Knapp
While most professional badminton players start their training at a very young age, there are some famous badminton players who have started late and still succeeded. Lee Chong, for example, started playing badminton at the age of 11, which is considered late compared to other professional players. Despite this, he went on to become the world number one ranking in a highly competitive environment. Other notable late starters include Lin Dan, Sania Nehwal, P V Sindhu, Chen Long, Viktor Axelsen, Carolina Marin, and Chou Tien Chen. These players have proven that success in badminton is not solely dependent on starting age, but also on factors such as determination, focus, and high-quality training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Lee Chong |
| Started playing at the age of | 11 years |
| Career highlights | Reached world number one ranking |
| Reason for success | Determination, focus, and will to succeed; high-quality training; time spent on the court and in personal training |
| Other late starters | Lin Dan, Sania Nehwal, P V Sindhu, Chen Long, Viktor Axelsen, Carolina Marin, Chou Tien Chen, Nicholas Bonkowsky |
| Definition of 'late' | 8-10 (average), 10-12 (above average), 12 and above (late), 14 onwards (very late) |
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What You'll Learn
Lee Chong Wei's late start
Lee Chong Wei, a Malaysian former professional badminton player, started playing badminton at the age of 11. This is considered a late start compared to other professional badminton players, who often start playing as young as five years old.
Starting his journey to international stardom at an older age put Lee at a disadvantage. He had to compete with players who had already been playing for five to six years, which is a challenging situation. However, Lee's determination, focus, and will to succeed at the international level contributed to his success. He overcame this handicap by focusing on high-quality training and spending a significant amount of time on the court and in personal training.
Lee Chong Wei's success in the badminton world is a testament to his hard work and talent. Despite his late start, he became the fifth Malaysian player to be ranked first worldwide for singles players. He held this ranking for 349 weeks, including a 199-week streak from 21 August 2008 to 14 June 2012. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time and is the only Malaysian shuttler who has held the number one ranking for more than a year.
Lee's achievements include winning the Malaysia Open five times, the Swiss Open, the Indonesia Open, the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold, and the French Open. He also helped Malaysia reach the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup for the first time in national history. In addition, he is a triple silver medalist at the Olympic Games, becoming the sixth Malaysian to win an Olympic medal.
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Lin Dan's late start
Lin Dan is a Chinese badminton player considered to be one of the greatest singles players of all time. He had won all nine major titles in the badminton world by the time he was 28, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup. He is the only player to have achieved this feat and is therefore considered by many to be the greatest badminton player ever. Nicknamed "Super Dan" by Peter Gade, Lin Dan is also a two-time Olympic champion and the first men's singles player to retain the Olympic gold medal, winning in 2008 and defending his title in 2012.
Despite his success, Lin Dan started playing badminton at the relatively late age of five, joining the sports troop of the People's Liberation Army when he was 13 and starting to play for China's national badminton team when he was 18. This is considered a late start compared to other badminton players, who often start playing the sport as young as five years old.
Lin Dan's success in the sport is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He reached the world number one ranking for the first time in February 2004 and has won numerous titles throughout his career, including the Denmark Open, Hong Kong Open, China Open, German Open, and All England championships.
Lin Dan's rivalry with Lee Chong Wei is considered the greatest in the history of badminton, with Lin having the edge in head-to-head meetings but Lee holding the number one ranking throughout their careers. Lin Dan's success in the sport, despite his relatively late start, is an inspiration to many badminton players and athletes worldwide.
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Tennis players can switch to badminton
While it is true that most badminton players start training at a very young age, there are several examples of famous badminton players who started the sport late and still became successful. One such player is Lee Chong, who started playing badminton at 11 years old, which is considered late compared to other professional players. Despite this, he managed to become the world number one ranking, showcasing his determination and focus.
Switching from tennis to badminton is a viable option for players, as both sports involve similar racquet skills and techniques. Tennis players who transition to badminton may even have an advantage when it comes to the smash due to the added precision required in tennis. However, it is important to note that the basic techniques of badminton should ideally be learned between the ages of 10 and 14 to have a solid foundation.
Tennis players considering a switch to badminton should evaluate their passion for the sport and be prepared to put in the necessary time and effort. They should also be aware of the physical demands of badminton, which requires powerful lateral movements and can result in injuries if proper footwear is not used. Badminton-specific shoes have thin soles that lower the player's centre of gravity, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Additionally, tennis players transitioning to badminton may need to adjust to the different rules and scoring systems between the two sports. For example, in badminton, the shuttlecock must be struck so that it lands within the boundaries of the opponent's court, and each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. Serving also has specific rules, such as the shuttlecock needing to be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when struck by the server's racquet.
Overall, it is possible for tennis players to switch to badminton and find success, especially if they have a strong foundation in racquet sports and are dedicated to mastering the nuances of the game.
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Nicholas Bonkowsky started at 18
Nicholas Bonkowsky is a male badminton player from Trinidad and Tobago. He was born in Calgary and speaks English and Spanish natively. Bonkowsky started playing badminton at the age of 18, which is considered a late start for a professional athlete in this sport. Despite this, he has achieved notable success in the badminton world.
Bonkowsky has represented Trinidad and Tobago in international competitions, including the 2017 Badminton World Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He has also participated in various tournaments and series, such as the Mexico International Series and the Super Series in Asia. In these competitions, he has excelled in both singles and doubles matches, earning major world ranking points.
One of Bonkowsky's notable achievements was in Tahiti in 2013, where he experienced overwhelming support from fans as he progressed through the rounds. He also recalled a similar experience during a tournament in Guatemala, where Columbian players stopped their practice to watch him train. These instances highlight the respect and recognition he has gained within the badminton community.
Despite starting late, Bonkowsky has demonstrated dedication and a strong work ethic in his pursuit of badminton excellence. He travels extensively to participate in tournaments and seeks to continuously improve his skills. Bonkowsky's journey serves as an inspiration to those who may be starting their sporting endeavours later than their peers, proving that it is possible to succeed and excel even with a late start.
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Starting late has disadvantages
Starting late in badminton has its disadvantages. Most international badminton players start playing the game at a very young age, around five years old or younger. This gives them ample time to mould themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, which are crucial factors in becoming a successful badminton player. The necessary traits, qualities, and skill sets are ideally acquired when a player starts at a tender age.
Lee Chong, who started playing badminton at 11 years old, faced challenges as he began his journey to international stardom at a disadvantage. He had to catch up with world-class players who started their careers at least five or six years before him, which is a significant gap in a highly demanding and competitive sport like badminton. Lee Chong's success is admirable and a testament to his determination and focus, as he proved critics wrong about the limitations of starting later in a sport.
Starting late in badminton can put players at a physical disadvantage. Muscle memory and physical conditioning are crucial in sports, and starting early allows for the development of these aspects from a young age. It may be challenging for late starters to attain the same level of physical prowess as those who started earlier.
Additionally, late starters in badminton may face a steeper learning curve. Badminton requires a unique set of skills and techniques that take time to master. Those who start playing at a younger age have more time to refine their skills and perfect their technique through practice and repetition. Late starters may need to dedicate more time and effort to catch up with their peers in terms of skill level and technique.
Furthermore, late starters in badminton may have fewer opportunities to participate in competitive tournaments and gain exposure. Many prestigious badminton tournaments have age restrictions, and late starters may find themselves aged out of certain competitions. This can limit their chances to gain experience, build a reputation, and attract sponsors or scouts.
While it is possible to succeed in badminton even with a late start, as exemplified by players like Lee Chong, it is important to recognise the inherent disadvantages and be prepared to work harder to overcome them. Late starters may need to be more proactive in seeking out training opportunities, investing in high-quality coaching, and dedicating extra time to master the intricacies of the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several examples of badminton players who started their careers relatively late and still achieved success. These include Lee Chong, who started playing at 18 and competed for Trinidad and Tobago for several years, and Lin Dan, who began his career relatively late compared to his rival, Lee Chong Wei.
Starting a badminton career late can bring certain challenges, such as catching up with players who have had a head start in terms of training and experience. Most coaches start following players when they are very young, so late starters may have a shorter timeframe to prove their skills and credentials.
While starting late can present challenges, it also has potential advantages. Late starters may bring more maturity, focus, and dedication to the sport. Additionally, if transitioning from another racquet sport, certain skills may transfer over and provide an advantage in badminton.
For those starting a badminton career later in life, it is important to evaluate your passion for the game, understand the rules and facts, and seek out a knowledgeable and well-connected coach. Consistency, belief in oneself, and a strong work ethic are also key factors in achieving success.
