This article is about careers of Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan.

Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei are two of the greatest badminton players the world has seen. This article seeks to compare the highlights of their careers.

Early lives

Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan both had early lives that set them on the path to becoming some of the greatest badminton players of all time.

 

Lee Chong Wei, born on October 21, 1982, in the state of Penang, Malaysia, began playing badminton at a young age. He was first introduced to the sport by his father, who was a badminton coach. 

 

He quickly showed a natural talent for the sport and began competing in local tournaments. He later joined the national team and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the country.

 

Lin Dan, born on October 14, 1983, in the city of Longyan, China, also began playing badminton at a young age. Lin was a popular player in his school and later in his army days as well.

 

Both players were trained at a young age, they had been exposed to the sport and the competitive environment since they were kids, which helped them to hone their skills and develop their talents.

 

They both have had a strong work ethic and dedication to the sport since they were young, which has helped them to become the successful players they are today.

Lin Dan Career: Highlights

Lin Dan is considered one of the greatest badminton players of all time and has had many memorable moments throughout his career. Some of his best moments include:

• Winning the Olympic gold medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics: Lin Dan became the first player in badminton history to win the “Super Grand Slam” by winning all nine major titles in the sport, including the Olympic gold medal. He defeated his great rival Lee Chong Wei in the final, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

 

• Winning the Olympic gold medal in 2012 London Olympics: Lin Dan defended his Olympic title, winning his second Olympic gold medal. He defeated Lee Chong Wei in the final and became the first player in badminton history to win consecutive Olympic gold medals.

 

• Winning the World Championship five times: Lin Dan won the World Championship five times in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. He is the only player to win five consecutive world championships and his victories cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

 

• Winning the All England Open six times: Lin Dan won the All England Open six times, in 2004,2006,2007,2009,2012,2018. He is the only player to have won the tournament six times, and his victories demonstrate his dominance in the sport.

 

• Winning the Thomas Cup with China: Lin Dan helped China win the Thomas Cup (the world team championship of badminton) three times, in 2004,2006 and 2010, his performances in the tournament were instrumental in these wins.

 

These moments demonstrate Lin Dan’s incredible talent, dominance and consistency in the sport of badminton, and cemented his status as one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

 

Lee Cong Wei Career: Highlights

Lee Chong Wei had an astonishingly accomplished career as well. Some of his best moments include:

• Winning the Olympic silver medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics: Lee Chong Wei reached the final of the Olympics for the first time, where he lost to his great rival Lin Dan, but the silver medal was the first Olympic medal for Malaysia in badminton.

 

• Winning the Olympic silver medal in 2012 London Olympics: Lee Chong Wei reached the final of the Olympics for the second time, where he lost to Lin Dan again, but the silver medal was the second Olympic medal for Malaysia in badminton.

 

• Winning the World Championship gold medal in 2011: Lee Chong Wei won his first and only world championship, in 2011, in London, he defeated China’s Chen Long in the final, becoming the first non-Chinese player to win the tournament since Peter Gade in 1999.

 

• Winning the All England Open three times: Lee Chong Wei won the All England Open three times, in 2010,2011,2018, his victories in this prestigious tournament are a testament to his skill and dominance in the sport.

 

• Winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018: Lee Chong Wei won his first and only Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018, in Gold Coast, Australia, he defeated India’s Srikanth Kidambi in the final, it was a remarkable achievement in his career.

 

• Being ranked world no. 1 for a record of 349 weeks: Lee Chong Wei held the world no.1 ranking for a record 349 weeks, during his career, which demonstrates his consistency and dominance in the sport.

 

These moments demonstrate Lee Chong Wei’s incredible talent, determination, and consistency in the sport of badminton, and cemented his status as one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

 

Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan: The Olympics

The Olympics finals between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei are considered some of the most iconic and highly-anticipated matches in the history of badminton. 

The two players have met in the finals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics, with Lin Dan coming out victorious on both occasions.

 

• In the 2008 Beijing Olympics final, Lin Dan defeated Lee Chong Wei in a closely-fought match, 21-12, 21-8. The match was highly-anticipated as it was a showdown between the two best players in the world at the time, and Lin Dan emerged victorious, winning his first Olympic gold medal.

 

• In the 2012 London Olympics final, Lin Dan once again defeated Lee Chong Wei, 21-19, 21-17. The match was another closely-fought battle between the two players, but Lin Dan was able to come out on top and win his second Olympic gold medal.

 

Both matches were highly-entertaining and showcased the incredible skills and abilities of both players. The rivalry between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei was at its peak during these Olympics, and their matches were considered some of the best badminton matches of all time.

 

Despite the results, Lee Chong Wei’s performances in both finals were impressive, and his determination to win an Olympic gold medal was clear. He also won a silver medal in both editions, which is an outstanding achievement, and his efforts to reach the final in both editions makes it even more remarkable.

 

Retirement

Both Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan are retired from professional badminton.

 

Lee Chong Wei announced his retirement from professional badminton on June 13, 2019, due to health issues.

 

 He had been diagnosed with nose cancer and took time off to receive treatment. Despite being cleared of cancer, he decided to retire from professional badminton to focus on his health and spend more time with his family.

 

Lin Dan announced his retirement from professional badminton on December 4, 2018. 

 

He was considered one of the greatest badminton players of all time, having won numerous major titles throughout his career, including two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, and five World Championship gold medals. 

 

He cited that he wanted to spend more time with his family and also focus on other aspects of his life as the reasons for his retirement.

 

Both players have left a great legacy in badminton and are considered as one of the greatest players of all time, their rivalry and friendship has been a vital part of the sport, and their contributions to badminton will always be remembered.

Read up more about Lin Dan’s retirement, here.