Background and career
Chen Long (Chinese: 谌龙; pinyin: Chén Lóng; Mandarin pronunciation: [ʈʂʰə̂n lʊ̌ŋ]; born 18 January 1989), is a Chinese professional badminton coach and former player. He is the 2016 Olympic champion, two-time World champion, and an Asian champion.
Chen was a former World number 1, occupying the top men's singles ranking for 76 consecutive weeks from December 2014 to June 2016. He started his achievements in the international stage by winning the boys' singles title in the Asian and World Junior Championships in 2007, and then won his first professional tournament in the Philippines Open in 2009.
Nicknamed "The Great Wall of China" by fans, he is known for his endurance, ability to dictate the tempo of rallies, and defensive style of play. He is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in men's singles badminton.
