Why is Lin Dan considered one of the greatest of all time?

Two Olympic golds, five World Championship titles, and he's the only man to complete the 'Super Grand Slam' - winning all nine major titles. His rivalry with Lee Chong Wei defined an era. Plenty of fans will still argue for LCW, which is half the fun.

All players

Lin Dan

Men's Singles CHN Legend Retired 2020

“Super Dan”

Two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2012). Widely considered the greatest singles player of all time.

Profile

Country: China
Born: 1983-10-14 (42 yrs)
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Handed: Left
Best BWF rank: #1 MS 2004-02-26
Weeks at No.1: 239
Career titles: 66
BWF: Profile
Wikipedia: Lin Dan

Complete · attack + control

Honours · golds

2× Olympic gold

5× World title

6× Thomas Cup

5× Sudirman Cup

6× Asian Games

4× Asian title

Career record

662 W 131 L

83.5% win rate · 793 matches

Career highlights

2008 Olympic gold (Beijing)
2012 Olympic gold (London)
5x World Champion (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013)
6x All England champion (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2016)
First man to complete the Super Grand Slam (all 9 major titles)
BWF Hall of Fame inductee (2023)

Gear

Racquet Yonex Voltric Z-Force II ✓ verified

String Yonex

Play like Lin →

Considered the greatest singles player to ever pick up the sport. A decade of dominance built on physical power and tactical flexibility — could grind from the back court or finish at the net. Olympic golds at Beijing (home soil) and London made him the first man to defend the singles title. Retired 2020 after a 20-year international career.

Questions & answers 1

QWhy is Lin Dan considered one of the greatest of all time?

A badminton player · 2026-06-01
- ATwo Olympic golds, five World Championship titles, and he's the only man to complete the 'Super Grand Slam' - winning all nine major titles. His rivalry with Lee Chong Wei defined an era. Plenty of fans will still argue for LCW, which is half the fun.
  
  BadmintonLabs · 2026-06-01 0