Lin Dan

DOB: 14/8/1983 Event: Badminton Medals: 1 Gold Flag: CHN

Lin Dan is one of the greatest badminton players of all time, and in fact holds a unique record having cleaned up all the major titles in the sport to win a 'Super Grand Slam'. The Chinese star will be the defending Olympic champion in London 2012 after coming out on top in front of his home crowd in Beijing in 2008. It was far from his only success though, as Lin had already become a back-to-back world champion by that time, and he went on to become the only three-time World Championship winner in India in 2009. An Asian Games gold medal in 2010 saw Lin become the only man to win all of the current major titles in both individual and team events. Lin has back-to-back World Cup and Asian Championship wins,three All-England Open titles along with team golds for China in the Asian Games, Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup. A fierce competitor, Lin can overstep the mark at times, such as in the final of the 2008 Korea Open when he had a scuffle with the South Korean coach of his opponent after a disputed line call. Also that year, Lin was embroiled in more controversy when he hit coach Ji Xinpeng in front of players and reporters before the Thomas Cup. Lin was reportedly unhappy with Ji's starting line-up for the tournament and a heated row turned to blows in another amazing outburst from the fiery Chinese star. Controversy also surrounded him when he was accused of deliberately losing to Chen Jin twice to enable his compatriot to qualify for the Olympics - although these remain as purely accusations. Whilst his temperament can be called into question, his ability certainly cannot, as 44 titles at the time of writing will illustrate perfectly, and he is sure to be the one to beat in London. Winning the 2011 World Championship at Wembley Arena - the venue for the Olympic badminton tournament in 2012 has only enhanced his position as gold medal favourite.