Known as “Super Dan”, China’s Lin Dan is considered by many as the greatest badminton player of all time.
The 33-year-old Lin is a two-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion, and six-time All England champion.
He is the only player in history to have won the Super Grand Slam, referring to all nine major titles in the badminton world - Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, Super Series Masters Finals, All England Open, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. And he completed all these victories by the age of 28.
During his glorious career, his battles with Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei have long been something fans have looked forward to, with many terming the contests the “peak of badminton matches.” The Malaysian player has also won a considerable number of fans in China, where badminton is a popular sport.
Over the years, Lin has endorsed several big brands, including Li Ning, Pepsi-Cola and Gillette. He has also created his own brand of underwear and opened a coffee store.
All these have made him one of richest badminton players in the world. According to The Celebrities Net Worth website, he had a net worth of 30 million US dollars in early 2016.
Meanwhile, due to his handsome appearance, Lin is also one of the favorite faces in Chinese fashion magazines. Photos of him and his wife Xie Xingfang – also a famous Chinese badminton player – often blow the minds of their fans.
Lin Dan and his wife, Xie Xingfang
However, controversy has never been too far from this badminton icon, mainly due to his outspoken and flamboyant personality.
For example, he likes to take his shoes off and throw them into the crowd to celebrate his victories. His reactions are criticized by some as impolite and even arrogant, but others consider them a loving way to display his true sentiments.
Whatever the controversy, whatever the achievements and whatever the low moments, Lin Dan is now focusing on a third consecutive Olympic singles gold at Rio 2016. Wish him good luck!
