Chen Long

Chen Long

Chen Long is a popular personality in the world of Badminton. He is best known for his world-class performance in international and national badminton matches. In this article, we will discuss his personal life and career. We will also talk about his journey to become the world's no. 1 badminton player. Let us get started.

About

Chen Long is a famous former badminton player who represents China at International level. He was born on 18 January 1989 in Shashi district of Hubei (a province in China). He has achieved many milestones in his career as a badminton player. Some of them include winning the Gold Medal in the 2016 Olympics, winning the world championship twice, etc. He was the world's number-one badminton player for more than 17 months. He started giving excellent performances after winning the Asian and World Junior Championships. He made his professional tournament debut in the year 2009 after registering a win in the Philippines Open.

Chen Long is a professional badminton player from China who is widely recognized for his achievements in men's singles badminton. He has been a prominent figure in the badminton world. Chen Long rose to international prominence for his exceptional skills and consistent performances in various badminton tournaments. One of his most significant achievements came in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the men's singles event. This victory solidified his status as one of the top players in the world. Chen Long has been a key player in the Chinese national badminton team, contributing to their dominance in the sport.

Early Life

Since his childhood, Chen Long has generated a keen interest in Badminton. He was very fond of playing Badminton. When he was seven years old, he was admitted to the Sports School in Jingzhou. After spending almost four years in the school, he joined the Xiamen team, and in 2005, he was chosen to represent the National Youth team. Next year he was selected in the National Second team.

Personal Life

Chen Long, the badminton player, got married to Wang Shixian (the world's number-one badminton player) in 2017. They have been together for more than ten years. In 2019, God blessed them with a baby boy. There is an interesting thing about Chen Long's name. His last name is pronounced "Shèn," but because of a mix-up, people often say "Chén." This happened when he joined China's athlete system, and despite trying to correct it, he could not. Paperwork and bureaucracy made him stick with the mispronounced version of his last name. Chen faced many difficulties in his early career because of the mispronunciation of his surname (Chen).

Playing Style

His playing style is known for a combination of power, speed, and active presence on the court. His approach on the court combines strength, agility, and a keen understanding of the game. Here are some key aspects of Chen Long's playing style:

  • Powerful Smashes: Chen Long is known for his potent smashes. His ability to generate significant power with his racket makes it challenging for opponents to defend against his attacking shots.
  • Physical Fitness: Chen Long possesses excellent physical fitness, allowing him to cover the court quickly and efficiently. His stamina and agility enable him to engage in long rallies, making him a formidable opponent in extended matches.
  • Strategic Thinking: Chen Long is known for his strategic thinking during matches. He analyses his opponents' weaknesses and adjusts his gameplay accordingly. This awareness helped him to generate a lead in the game.
  • Solid Defense: While known for his offensive capabilities, Chen Long also has a strong defensive game. He is adept at retrieving difficult shots and turning defensive situations into opportunities to counterattack.
  • Net Play: Chen Long's skills at the net are commendable. His precise net shots and quick reflexes make it challenging for opponents to control the pace of the game, allowing him to dictate play at the front of the court.

Career

Chen Long's early success in junior badminton tournaments set the stage for his entry into the national badminton team in 2008. Despite facing challenges in tournaments like the Korea Open and Malaysia Open that year, Chen kept working hard to improve his skills. A turning point came in 2011 when he won the Japan Open by beating the world's number 1 player, Lee Chong Wei, in the final. This victory boosted his confidence and showcased his potential as a top-level player.

Chen Long continued to shine in the following years, winning multiple Super Series tournaments. One of his remarkable achievements was winning the Denmark Open in 2011 for the third consecutive time, defeating Lee Chong Wei in the final. Chen Long's journey from a junior champion to an Olympic gold medalist is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and resilience in the world of Badminton. His legacy as a skilled and successful player continues to inspire aspiring badminton enthusiasts around the world.

Retirement

Chen Long, at the age of 34, recently decided to retire from professional Badminton. He had not competed since the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the pandemic. The official announcement came after careful consideration and discussions with his family. Chen Long recognized the significance of prioritizing the well-being of his loved ones and living a more balanced family life. These factors played a crucial role in influencing his choice to retire from the national team, marking the end of his illustrious badminton career. The decision reflects not only his dedication to the sport but also his commitment to a fulfilling and balanced personal life. Chen Long's retirement leaves a notable legacy in the world of Badminton, marked by his exceptional skills, achievements, and sportsmanship throughout his career.

Achievements

  • Olympic Games
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2016Rio de JaneiroMen's singles
2Silver medal - second place2020TokyoMen's singles
3Bronze medal - third place2012LondonMen's singles
  • World Championships
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2014CopenhagenMen's singles
2Gold medal - first place2015JakartaMen's singles
3Bronze medal - third place2017GlasgowMen's singles
4Bronze medal - third place2018NanjingMen's singles
  • Sudirman Cup
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2009GuangzhouMixed team
2Gold medal - first place2011QingdaoMixed team
3Gold medal - first place2013Kuala LumpurMixed team
4Gold medal - first place2015DongguanMixed team
5Gold medal - first place2019NanningMixed team
6Silver medal - second place2017Gold CoastMixed team
  • Thomas Cup
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2010Kuala LumpurMen's team
2Gold medal - first place2012WuhanMen's team
3Gold medal - first place2018BangkokMen's team
4Bronze medal - third place2014New DelhiMen's team
  • Asian Games
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2010GuangzhouMen's team
2Gold medal - first place2018Jakarta-PalembangMen's team
3Silver medal - second place2014IncheonMen's singles
4Silver medal - second place2014IncheonMen's team
  • Asian Championships
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2017WuhanMen's singles
2Silver medal - second place2009SuwonMen's singles
3Silver medal - second place2013TaipeiMen's singles
4Silver medal - second place2016WuhanMen's singles
5Silver medal - second place2018WuhanMen's singles
6Bronze medal - third place2011ChengduMen's singles
7Bronze medal - third place2012QingdaoMen's singles
8Bronze medal - third place2015WuhanMen's singles
  • East Asian Games
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2009Hong KongMen's team
2Gold medal - first place2013TianjinMen's team
  • World Junior Championships
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2007Waitakere CityBoy's team
2Gold medal - first place2007Waitakere CityMixed team
  • Asian Junior Championships
S. No.MedalYearPlaceCategory
1Gold medal - first place2007Kuala LumpurBoy's Singles
2Silver medal - second place2007Kuala LumpurMixed team

Conclusion

Chen Long's journey in the field of Badminton is a tale of dedication, triumph, and legacy, from his early days as a promising junior player to becoming the world's number-one badminton player for over 17 months. His powerful smashes, strategic thinking, and all-around playing style have earned him numerous accolades.

Beyond the court, Chen Long's personal life reflects the values of commitment and balance. His marriage to fellow badminton star Wang Shixian and the birth of their son in 2019 underscores the importance of family in his life. As Chen Long gracefully steps away from professional Badminton at the age of 34, his retirement marks the end of an illustrious career. The decision to prioritize family and well-being showcases not only his sporting prowess but also his commitment to a fulfilling personal life.

Chen Long leaves a lasting legacy in the badminton world, inspiring aspiring players with his skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. His achievements, including multiple gold medals in prestigious tournaments and his significant contribution to China's dominance in Badminton, will be remembered for years to come.


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