Playing Badminton since the age of 5, Lin Dan has displayed a natural ability for the sport as well as a true champion’s dedication and application has seen him claim the gold medal at both the 2008 Beijing Olympics and more recently at the London 2012, becoming the first player to ever defend the Olympic medal.

That is only the tip of iceberg regarding his sporting achievements as at the age of 28 Lin Dan had achieved the ‘Super Grand Slam’ winning the Olympic gold, World Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, Super Series Masters finals, All England Open, Asian Open and Asian Championships, becoming the only player to ever achieve this feat.

Lin Dan is athlete of great natural ability who, as one of China’s most recognisable faces, willingly accepts the responsibility that comes with being a role model to China’s young people. That’s not to say that he is the picture of squeaky-clean conformity, Lin Dan has a strong character and is not afraid to make waves in the Media. In 2008 in a warm-up tournament ahead of the Thomas Cup, Lin struck coach Ji Xinpeng in front of fellow players and reporters, during an altercation brought about by tensions linked to the coach’s selection policy.