How Chen Long became the Great Wall of China in professional badminton
In short: Nicknamed for his immovable defensive style, Chen Long dominated men's singles badminton for over a decade. From his 2016 Olympic gold to a 76-week reign as world number one, he defined an era of endurance and tactical precision, eventually cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most formidable figures.
Born in 1989 in Shashi City, Chen Long’s ascent began early, joining the national youth team by 2005. By 2014, he had reached the pinnacle of the sport, dethroning long-time rival Lee Chong Wei to become the world number one. His playing style, characterized by exceptional endurance and a defensive, tempo-dictating approach, earned him the moniker The Great Wall of China. This tactical patience allowed him to secure two World Championship titles in 2014 and 2015, and a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Chen’s career was marked by intense rivalries, most notably with Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei and teammate Lin Dan. While he faced occasional setbacks—such as the 2014 Thomas Cup loss that briefly cast doubt on his status as China’s leading player—he consistently rebounded. His 2015 season was particularly dominant, yielding seven tour titles. Throughout his tenure, he was a cornerstone of the Chinese national team, contributing to multiple Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup victories, proving his value both as an individual competitor and a team player.
The twilight of his career brought both physical challenges and continued resilience. At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chen reached the final, ultimately taking silver against Viktor Axelsen. It was later revealed by Chinese Badminton Association President Zhang Jun that Chen had competed with a severe foot blister that hindered his movement, a testament to the grit that defined his playing days. Following his final appearance at the Chinese National Championships in 2021, Chen transitioned from a legendary player to a coach, leaving behind a record of sustained excellence that few in the sport have matched.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Chen Long
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