Lin Dan, widely considered to be the greatest badminton player of all time, became the first player to have achieved a 'Golden Grand Slam' - winning titles at every major tournament, including: the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, All England Open, Asia Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup.

Lin first got his hands on a badminton racket at the age of five and, after winning at the 2000 Asian Junior Championships, was selected as part of the national team when he was 18.

Lin got his professional career up and running in 2001 but it wasn't until 2002 that he won his first title. Lin opened his 2003 campaign at the All England Open but suffered a third-round defeat. His form was patchy throughout the year, until he finished the season on a high, winning titles in Denmark, Hong Kong and China.

He landed his first All England Open title in 2004 and helped China end a 14-year wait to win the Thomas Cup. A leg injury hampered his preparations for the Olympics and it clearly played on his mind as he endured a disappointing campaign in Athens, failing to reach the final.

In 2005, Lin reached his first World Championship final but ultimately came up short, losing out to Taufik Hidayat. Titles at the China Masters and the Hong Kong Open helped to ease the pain of that defeat. The following year Lin finally captured his first World Championship crown, beating compatriot Bao Chunlai in a thrilling three-set battle. His run at the World Championships didn't end there, as in 2007 he became the first man since Yang Yang to win back-to-back titles.

Lin embarked on a rigorous training regime prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, sacrificing several tournaments in order to arrive at the Olympics in peak condition. The strategy worked as Lin blasted his way into the final, destroying Lee Chong Wei 21-12 21-8 to lift the title.

In 2009, Lin won his fourth All England title and, from August to November, won every tournament he entered.

In March 2011, Lin failed to become the first men's singles player of the open era to win five All England titles after he was beaten by defending champion Lee Chong Wei at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena.

He became the first men's singles player to retain his Olympic gold medal, beating Lee Chong Wei in a repeat of 2008 Beijing final.

Career high
Winning Olympic gold in Beijing.

Career low
Failing to claim a record fifth All England title in 2011.

Quotes
"I think this is one of the best matches of my career." Lin Dan after winning gold in Beijing

Trivia
Lin was voted 2010 best male athlete in China Central Television Sports Personality of the Year.