Chen Long, one of China’s best men’s singles shuttler of all time, viewed Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei as his perfect role models, saying it was his destiny to be born in the same era as them.
“I was destined to be born in this era. In the presence of Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, I still saw myself as a junior challenging my seniors. They were also perfect role models to me.
“I could only be my best self within my capability. Having won an Olympic gold medal, I think I have done well,” Chen told BWF after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year.
For more than a decade, Chen, Lin & Lee ruled the badminton world by collecting every major title out there.
While the rivalry between Lin and Lee is always talked about, Chen went about his business in his own unassuming way and built a career as one of the most fearsome men’s singles shuttler to have ever played the game.
The 36-year-old is the only player to have won three different Olympic medals across the span of eight years.
He won the 2012 London Olympic bronze medal, before beating Lee at the 2016 final in Rio de Janeiro and completed a glittering career by clinching silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Chen also spoke fondly about Lee, whom he also beat at the 2014 & 2015 World Championships final.
“Although it is regrettable Lee failed to win a major title, his never-say-die attitude towards every match plus his desire to win are things we should learn from.
“Lin always played well, and I wanted to be like him. When I played against them, I told myself I must defeat them or capitalize on any opportunities. I wanted to be the third force,” he added.
In 28 meetings against Lee, the Malaysian won 15 of those matches.
Against Lin, Chen won seven times in 16 matches.
“I was destined to be born in this era. In the presence of Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, I still saw myself as a junior challenging my seniors. They were also perfect role models to me.
“I could only be my best self within my capability. Having won an Olympic gold medal, I think I have done well,” Chen told BWF after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year.
For more than a decade, Chen, Lin & Lee ruled the badminton world by collecting every major title out there.
While the rivalry between Lin and Lee is always talked about, Chen went about his business in his own unassuming way and built a career as one of the most fearsome men’s singles shuttler to have ever played the game.
The 36-year-old is the only player to have won three different Olympic medals across the span of eight years.
He won the 2012 London Olympic bronze medal, before beating Lee at the 2016 final in Rio de Janeiro and completed a glittering career by clinching silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Chen also spoke fondly about Lee, whom he also beat at the 2014 & 2015 World Championships final.
“Although it is regrettable Lee failed to win a major title, his never-say-die attitude towards every match plus his desire to win are things we should learn from.
“Lin always played well, and I wanted to be like him. When I played against them, I told myself I must defeat them or capitalize on any opportunities. I wanted to be the third force,” he added.
In 28 meetings against Lee, the Malaysian won 15 of those matches.
Against Lin, Chen won seven times in 16 matches.
