LIN DAN, China's badminton player

Now I am very excited and can't find the proper words to express my feelings. My opponents were powerful. They put in as much hard work as I had. None of them made concessions in the fight for a gold medal. Psychologically I got myself ready for the competition. All I could do was exert my utmost.

 

China's Lin Dan salutes the crowd as he celebrates his gold medal win over Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles badminton finals at the Beijing Olympics on Sunday. Xinhua

Since the last Olympic Games in Athens, I have been dreaming of winning a gold medal. Today I have realized my wish, which is an acknowledgement of my actual strength. This year, I have confronted a lot of adversity and endured a lot of pressure. However, the gold medal has confirmed the fact that I am an outstanding sportsman. And fortunately all the negative aspects have finally vanished.

Speaking of the competition on that day, I firmly believed that he who persevered with all his might to the last moment would win the match. Competitive sports are cruel. I was happy because I did it. Being a champion means a new epoch for me. I, together with my colleagues and coaches, will make efforts to obtain even greater achievements. Before the match, in fact, I had already set this goal for myself.

I think I performed to a high standard during the final. My earnest wish was to fight a brilliant battle with all my effort. I, along with my faithful supporters, have waited for this gold medal for four years. This precious gold medal was the best reward for all of us.

Frankly speaking I haven't thought much about my future plans. I believe I will be serious-minded about my choices. What I want most is a good rest at the moment. One thing I'm definitely sure about is that I will keep on playing, just like Taufik Hidayat. I will go for more medals, at the Asian Games, and all kinds of world championships. I am still young, just 25. What's more, I will keep on fighting for a lot of fans supporting me.

Introduction of Lin Dan

Lin Dan is currently the most dominant singles player on the world stage. He has been ranked number one in the world almost continuously since 2004, winning many of the world's top tournaments. In October 2006, Lin Dan regained his ranking as #1 in the world, after a short period of being ranked behind Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.

Lin Dan won the 2007 World Badminton Championships in men's singles, beating Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in the final to become the 2nd player after Yang Yang to win the men's singles championship back to back, after taking the gold medal in the 2006 World Badminton Championships. Among the tournaments he has won are the All-England Open (2004, 2006, and 2007) and the China Masters. He has also helped China win three consecutive Thomas Cup (men's world team) championships in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

Lin Dan has a romantic relationship with fellow Chinese badminton player Xie Xingfang.

Lin Dan won his first ever Olympics gold medal in Beijing Summer Olympics 2008 in 17th August 2008 night by beating Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia with the result of 21-12, 21-8. Lin Dan performed well in his land court.

(China Daily 08/19/2008 page27)