Lin Dan

Lin was born in Fujian, China. At a young age, Lin was encouraged to learn to play the piano by his parents, and to be a pianist. However, he chose to play badminton instead. Having started his training at the age of five, he was scouted by the People's Liberation Army Sports Team after winning the National Junior Championships aged twelve, and was enlisted into the Chinese National Badminton Team in 2001, when he was 18.{{cite web |title=中国羽毛球首席单打林丹 |url=http://www.ci123.com/article.php/22419 |publisher=China Parenting Network Holdings Limited |access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite web |title=林丹个人资料 |url=http://sports.cctv.com/xiuxian/special/lining/20090922/102147.shtml |publisher=CCTV |access-date=2 February 2011}}{{cite news |title=Chinese stars a perfect couple in badminton |url=http://www.nj.com/olympics/index.ssf/2008/08/chinese_stars_a_perfect_couple.html |access-date=2 February 2011 |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |date=14 August 2008}}

Lin emerged as a winner in the 2000 Asian Junior Championships in both the team and the singles events.{{cite web |title=我羽球小將囊括亞青賽桂冠 |url=http://www.people.com.cn/BIG5/paper39/1120/165497.html |publisher=People's Daily |access-date=8 July 2017 |language=zh |archive-date=25 August 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040825070341/http://www1.people.com.cn/BIG5/paper39/1120/165497.html |url-status=dead}} He was also a member of the winning Chinese team and a boys' singles semi-finalist in the 2000 World Junior Championships.{{cite web |title=林丹 |url=http://data.sports.163.com/athlete/home/0005000E0HOQ.html |publisher=data.sports.163.com |access-date=18 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630225433/http://data.sports.163.com/athlete/home/0005000E0HOQ.html |archive-date=30 June 2011}}{{cite web |title=World Junior Championships Guangzhou 2000 |url=http://tangkis.tripod.com/junior/2000.htm |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20061214225220/http://tangkis.tripod.com/junior/2000.htm |url-status=dead |publisher=archive.is |archive-date=2006-12-14 |access-date=8 July 2017}}

2001 marked the start of then 18 year-old Lin's professional career. In his first final, at the Asian Championships, he was thrashed by compatriot Xia Xuanze.{{cite news |title=Chinese dominate badminton |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EFU1AAAAIBAJ&pg=1847,39415454&dq=lin-dan&hl=en |access-date=3 February 2011 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=27 August 2001}} He then entered his first final in the IBF Grand Prix event at the Denmark Open, losing to Bao Chunlai.{{cite web |url=http://tangkis.tripod.com/prix/denmark/den001.htm |title=2001 Danish Open |publisher=Smash |access-date=28 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214221836/http://tangkis.tripod.com/prix/denmark/den001.htm |archive-date=14 December 2006}}

In 2002, Lin took his first title at the Korea Open.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan bags Korean Open singles title |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-D4hAAAAIBAJ&pg=3661,287014&dq=lin-dan&hl=en |access-date=3 February 2011 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=1 April 2002}} He was a member of China's 2002 Thomas Cup squad which defeated Sweden (5–0),{{cite web |script-title=zh:2002年汤姆斯杯羽毛球锦标赛首轮比赛：中国队3：0轻取瑞典队 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2002/news_20020510g.htm |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |access-date=3 February 2011 |language=zh}} Denmark (3–2),{{cite web |title=China Knocks out Denmark in Thomas Cup |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200205/12/print20020512_95519.html |access-date=3 February 2011 |publisher=People's Daily |date=12 May 2002}} and South Korea (4–1) to reach the semi-finals.{{cite web |title=China Nails down South Korea 4–1 at Thomas Cup |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200205/15/print20020515_95697.html |access-date=3 February 2011 |publisher=People's Daily Online |date=15 May 2002}} However, Lin didn't play in the semi-final tie against Malaysia, which saw China's team tumble to a 1–3 defeat.{{cite web |script-title=zh:汤姆斯杯中国队1:3负于马来西亚队无缘决赛 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2002/news_20020517f.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=16 May 2002 |language=zh}} Lin participated in another four tournaments without coming close to victory. He was knocked out in the first round of the Singapore,{{cite web |script-title=zh:新加坡羽球赛：林丹首轮落马，夏煊泽苦战过关 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/index.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=22 August 2002 |language=zh}} and Indonesia Opens,{{cite web |script-title=zh:印尼羽球赛：鲍春来勇擒叶诚万、林丹不敌无名将 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2002/news_20020829d.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=29 August 2002 |language=zh}} second round of the Denmark Open,{{cite web |title=Trio in third round, Lin Dan stunned |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2002/11/1/sports/pddano&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021110120436/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2002%2F11%2F1%2Fsports%2Fpddano&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2002 |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=The Star |date=1 November 2002}} and third round of the China Open.{{cite web |script-title=zh:中国羽毛球公开赛：陈宏淘汰队友林丹晋级八强 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/news_021220d.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=19 December 2002 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040428005401/http://www.bbeshop.com/news/news_021220d.htm |archive-date=28 April 2004}} In October, Lin was defeated in the semi-finals of the Asian Games team competition which ended China's hope of a team gold medal.{{cite web |script-title=zh:叹息林丹丢失单打，李永波指摘韩国"低劣"裁判 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/news_021007k.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=7 October 2002 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041010041207/http://www.bbeshop.com/news/news_021007k.htm |archive-date=10 October 2004}}

Lin started the 2003 season with a third round defeat in the All England Open.{{cite web |script-title=zh:全英羽赛名将落马：鲍春来淘汰盖德，林丹出局 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2003/news_20030213h.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=12 February 2003 |language=zh}} He reached a final later in the year at the Japan Open but was beaten by his compatriot Xia Xuanze once again.{{cite web |title=Camilla tames another Chinese shuttler en route to crown |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/4/7/sports/japbad&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063746/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2003%2F4%2F7%2Fsports%2Fjapbad&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=The Star |date=7 April 2003}} Lin then made his inaugural debut in the World Championships in Birmingham, England. He breezed past Per-Henrik Croona and Przemysław Wacha in the first two rounds, but was beaten by Xia again in his third round match.{{cite web |title=Coach hopes one of his Red Dragons will rule the world |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/8/2/sports/5978148&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063817/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2003%2F8%2F2%2Fsports%2F5978148&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=The Star |date=2 August 2003}} After the world meet, he was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open,{{cite web |last=Abdullah |first=Rizah |title=Tan Fook-Wan Wah go down to Danish world champs in Singapore Open |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2003/8/24/sports/6127502&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030829085005/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2003%2F8%2F24%2Fsports%2F6127502&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 August 2003 |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=The Star |date=24 August 2003}} third round of the Indonesia Open,{{cite web |script-title=zh:印尼羽毛球赛：中国女单无敌，男单鲍春来林丹出局 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2003/news_20030829d.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=28 August 2003 |language=zh}} and second round of the Malaysia Open.{{cite web |script-title=zh:马来西亚羽毛球公开赛，中国男单半数出局 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2003/news_20030905e.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=5 September 2003 |language=zh}} However, Lin ended the season strongly by capturing the Denmark,{{cite web |script-title=zh:丹麦羽球公开赛：林丹轻取陈郁称王，睿那力挫周蜜封后 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2003/news_20030929c.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=29 September 2003 |language=zh}} Hong Kong,{{cite web |date=3 November 2003 |title=Hong Kong Terbuka: Cina Rebut Tiga Gelar |url=http://cybermed.cbn.net.id/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111140956/http://cybermed.cbn.net.id/ |archive-date=11 January 2011 |access-date=3 February 2011 |language=id |newspaper=Cybernews}}[http://cybermed.cbn.net.id/cbprtl/cybernews/detail.aspx?x=Sports&y=cybernews%7C0%7C0%7C11%7C1045]{{Dead link|date=June 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} and China Opens,{{cite web |script-title=zh:中国队独揽中国羽球公开赛4金，新星林丹再显威 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2003/news_20031117c.htm |access-date=3 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=17 November 2003 |language=zh}} and finishing runner-up at the German Open.{{cite web |title=Hyun-il cruises to German Open title |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2003/10/06/hyunil-cruises-to-german-open-title |access-date=13 April 2022 |work=The Star |date=6 October 2003}}

Lin had a good start to 2004, earning the BWF's number one world ranking for the first time in February. He helped China win the qualifying round of Thomas Cup and then captured the Swiss Open.{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Malaysia give gutsy display against China |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/2/23/sports/7376515&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040327152755/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2004%2F2%2F23%2Fsports%2F7376515&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 March 2004 |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=The Star |date=23 February 2004}}{{cite web |script-title=zh:瑞士羽球赛：中国队独取四金，混双金牌再度旁落 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040308a.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=7 March 2004 |language=zh}} He won his first ever All England Open title by beating Peter Gade in the final.{{cite web |title=Lin wins All England title |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/3510814.stm |access-date=4 February 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2004}} He reached the semi-final of the Japan Open before going off to Jakarta, Indonesia in May for the Thomas Cup campaign.{{cite web |script-title=zh:日本羽球赛：鲍春来淘汰林丹，中国男双挺进决赛 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040410g.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=10 April 2004 |language=zh}}

In Thomas Cup, Lin helped China to an excellent start in which they thrashed United States and defending champion Indonesia 5–0 respectively to enter the quarter-finals.{{cite web |script-title=zh:汤姆斯杯小组赛：中国5:0印尼，终结十年不胜历史 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040511c.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=10 May 2004 |language=zh}} Lin then defeated Shoji Sato and Lee Hyun-il in quarter and semi-finals ties against Japan and South Korea respectively, each ending in 3–0 wins for China.{{cite web |script-title=zh:汤杯1/4决赛：林丹睡狮猛醒，完胜对手先下一城 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040512h.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=13 May 2004 |language=zh}}{{cite web |script-title=zh:汤杯半决赛：中国3:0胜韩国将与丹麦争冠军 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040514k.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=14 May 2004 |language=zh}} In the final, he beat Peter Gade in straight games to give China the lead before the Chinese team eventually won three matches to one. China thus took the crown, ending a 14 years drought in the tournament.{{cite news |title=China claims the Thomas Cup title |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200405/17/eng20040517_143485.html |access-date=4 February 2011 |newspaper=People's Daily |date=17 May 2004}}

Lin suffered setbacks later in the 2004 season when he was ousted in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open,{{cite web |script-title=zh:马羽赛完全战报：林丹不敌朴成焕，春来败给李宗伟 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040703e.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=3 July 2004 |language=zh}} and was reported to have a leg injury in mid-July, prior to the Olympic Games.{{cite web |script-title=zh:林丹脚伤暂缺席训练，鲍春来:去雅典只为夺金 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20040713b.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=13 July 2004 |language=zh}} Lin "crashed" in his first Olympic Games when, as the first seed, he was ousted early by Singapore's Ronald Susilo, who claimed Lin was "too eager to win".{{cite news |title=Super Dan crashes out as Susilo steals the show |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/08/16/1177576.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717142431/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/08/16/1177576.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |access-date=4 February 2011 |publisher=ABC News |date=16 August 2004}}{{cite news |title=Day of mixed fortunes for Chinese shuttlers |url=http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/16/content_365872.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=16 August 2004}} However, Lin bounced back with three titles at the Denmark,{{cite web |script-title=zh:丹麦羽毛球公开赛：林丹称王谢杏芳封后 |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2004/news_20041011a.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=11 October 2004 |language=zh}} German,{{cite web |title=China Wins Three Titles in German Open |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/sports/109779.htm |access-date=4 February 2011 |publisher=China Internet Information Center |date=19 October 2004}} and China Opens,{{cite news |title=Xie wins women's singles at China Open (with results) |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200411/15/eng20041115_163931.html |access-date=4 February 2011 |newspaper=People's Daily |date=15 November 2004}} and ended the season as a semi-finalist at the Indonesia Open.{{cite news |title=End of the road for Malaysian |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vywhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1649,5676982&dq=lin-dan&hl=en |access-date=4 February 2011 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=18 December 2004}}

Lin retained his number one world ranking during 2005, winning his second German and Hong Kong Open titles,{{cite web |title=Yonex German Open 2005: Lin Dan und Xie Xingfang konnten ihre German-Open-Titel verteidigen - Robertson & Emms vergeigten 14:3-Führung im zweiten Satz |url=http://www.badminton.de/German_Open_2005.287.0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050403173328/http://www.badminton.de:80/German_Open_2005.287.0.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 April 2005 |access-date=17 October 2024 |publisher=Deutscher Badminton Verband}}{{cite news |title=China clean sweep at HK Open badminton |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/Sports/detail.asp?ID=71549&GRP=F |access-date=23 May 2011 |newspaper=China Post |date=7 November 2005}} as well as the Japan Open, China Masters, and World Cup tournaments.{{cite web |title=Chinese set sights on a clean sweep at world meet |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2005/8/13/sports/11762037&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018110936/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2005%2F8%2F13%2Fsports%2F11762037&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2011 |work=The Star |date=13 August 2005}}{{cite news |title=Lin Dan crowned at Japan Open |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/11/content_433053.htm |access-date=23 May 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=11 April 2005}}{{cite web |title=Lin, Zhang Win China Maters Titles |url=http://english.cri.cn/301/2005/09/04/45@16816.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020121711/http://english.cri.cn/301/2005/09/04/45@16816.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2011 |publisher=China Radio International |date=4 September 2005}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bbeshop.com/news/2005/news_20051217t.htm |title=2005 年世界杯羽毛球赛成绩表 |work=Bluesky Badminton Shop |date=18 December 2005 |access-date=30 June 2020 |language=zh}} He also helped China recapture the Sudirman Cup (combined men's and women's team championship) when it shut-out both defending champion South Korea in the semi-finals and Indonesia in the final.{{cite web |title=China whitewashes 3–0 over South Korea |url=http://2005sc.163.com/05/0514/22/1JOFCCAF00231FET.html |access-date=23 May 2011 |work=163.com |date=14 May 2005 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717174716/http://2005sc.163.com/05/0514/22/1JOFCCAF00231FET.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=China secure Sudirman Cup triumph |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/badminton/4549269.stm |access-date=23 May 2011 |publisher=BBC |date=15 May 2005}}

Lin failed to retain his All England title, losing a three set final to teammate Chen Hong,{{cite web |title=Bulutangkis All England: Cina Rebut Empat Gelar |url=http://us.detiksport.com/read/2005/03/14/001613/316065/79/cina-rebut-empat-gelar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901004354/http://us.detiksport.com/read/2005/03/14/001613/316065/79/cina-rebut-empat-gelar |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2011 |access-date=23 May 2011 |publisher=Detik |date=14 March 2005}} and he was beaten in the final of the Malaysia Open by another rising star, Lee Chong Wei.{{cite web |last=Wei Loon |first=Ng |title=Chong Wei draws the fans back |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/7/14/central/11468636&sec=central |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018111046/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2005%2F7%2F14%2Fcentral%2F11468636&sec=central |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2011 |work=The Star |date=14 July 2005}} In his bid to capture his first BWF World title at Anaheim California, he beat Kennevic Asuncion, Shoji Sato, Lee Hyun-il, and Peter Gade in succession to reach the final.{{cite news |title=Top Seeds Lin and Zhang Advance into 3rd round |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=68700&d=19&m=8&y=2005&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708063515/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=68700&d=19&m=8&y=2005&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2012 |access-date=23 May 2011 |newspaper=Arab News |date=19 August 2005}}{{cite news |title=Top seeds reach quarterfinals at Badminton Championships |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20050818-1841-bad-worldbadminton.html |access-date=23 May 2011 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=15 August 2005}}{{cite web |title=Badminton 2005 – IBF World Badminton Championships |url=http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-15700347/badminton-2005---ibf-world-badminton-championships/?caller=search |publisher=Corbis images |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054016/http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-15700347/badminton-2005---ibf-world-badminton-championships/?caller=search |url-status=dead}} There he was decisively beaten by a peak-form Taufik Hidayat.{{cite news |title=Hidayat routs Lin Dan to capture world title |url=http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-08/22/content_471206.htm |access-date=23 May 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=22 August 2005}} Lin was also eliminated in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open and the quarter-finals of the China Open.{{cite web |title=Badminton: Super Dan out of Men's Singles at China Open |url=http://english.cri.cn/301/2005/11/12/165@30234.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020121706/http://english.cri.cn/301/2005/11/12/165@30234.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2011 |publisher=China Radio International |date=12 November 2005}}

Lin started the season by reaching the semi-finals of the German Open,{{cite web |title=Timetable GO 2006-SFresults |url=http://www.german-open-badminton.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Ergebnisse/2006/Timetable_GO_2006-SFresults.pdf |publisher=german-open-badminton.de |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021854/http://www.german-open-badminton.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Ergebnisse/2006/Timetable_GO_2006-SFresults.pdf |url-status=dead}} and had a same result in China Masters and China Open.{{cite web |last=Sachetat |first=Raphael |title=China Open 2006 – Looking back… |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/china-open-looking-back/46/ |access-date=9 June 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=23 October 2006 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102542/http://www.badzine.net/news/china-open-looking-back/46/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Gade Edges out 'Super Dan' |url=http://english.cri.cn/301/2006/03/12/45@60793.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020121926/http://english.cri.cn/301/2006/03/12/45@60793.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2011 |newspaper=Crienglish.com |date=12 March 2006}} He failed to win the Malaysia Open in June, which saw his opponent Lee Chong Wei produce a superb display to save the title after being 13–20 down in the deciding game,{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Double joy for Malaysia |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/6/19/sports/14582422&sec=sports |access-date=9 June 2011 |work=The Star |date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621223731/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F6%2F19%2Fsports%2F14582422&sec=sports |archive-date=21 June 2006}} and also lost to Taufik Hidayat in Asian Games final.{{cite web |title=Asian Games: Hidayat gets sweet revenge over Lin Dan |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/12/10/sports/16281680&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018132753/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F12%2F10%2Fsports%2F16281680&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2011 |work=The Star |date=10 December 2006}}

However, he won six individual titles in the season. He recaptured the All England Open,{{cite news |title=Lin Dan and China reign supreme |url=http://inhome.rediff.com/sports/2006/jan/23bad.htm |access-date=9 June 2011 |newspaper=Rediff |date=23 January 2006}} and won the Chinese Taipei,{{cite news |title=Lin Dan Exacts Sweet Revenge on Lee Chong Wei |url=http://english.cri.cn/2886/2006/06/26/45@106775.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020121932/http://english.cri.cn/2886/2006/06/26/45@106775.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2011 |newspaper=Crienglish.com |date=26 June 2006}} Macau,{{cite news |title=Lin Dan claims men's singles title |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200607/24/eng20060724_286048.html |access-date=9 June 2011 |newspaper=People's Daily |date=24 July 2006}} Hong Kong,{{cite web |last=Velloo |first=Loganath |title=Chong Wei and Tan Fook-Wan Wah crumble in HK Open final |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/9/3/sports/15323726&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018132801/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F9%2F3%2Fsports%2F15323726&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2011 |work=The Star |date=3 September 2006}} and Japan Opens.{{cite news |title=Lin triumphs as Taufik collapses |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/badminton/6053086.stm |access-date=9 June 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2006}} Most significantly, in Madrid, Spain that September he won his first world title after beating his compatriot Bao Chunlai in the final.{{cite web |title=Lin Dan finally wins world title |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/9/25/sports/15534447&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018145306/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F9%2F25%2Fsports%2F15534447&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=9 June 2011 |work=The Star |date=25 September 2006}}

In May, Lin and his teammates had extended China's Thomas Cup reign by shutting out Denmark 3–0 for a second consecutive title.{{cite news |title=China men defend world team crown |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/badminton/4981610.stm |access-date=9 June 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2006}} In October, he won his second World Cup men's singles title.{{cite web |title=为奥运积分赛让路 羽毛球世界杯明年可能停办 |url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2006-10-29/12402534946.shtml |website=sports.sina.com.cn |publisher=Sina Sports |date=29 October 2006 |language=Chinese}}

Lin Dan entered 2007 with a loss to South Korea's Park Sung-hwan in the round of 16 at the Malaysia Open.{{cite web |title=Malaysia Open: China's Top Male Shuttler Loses at Malaysia Open |date=19 January 2007 |url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/389-latest-badminton-news-articles-malaysia-open-chinas-top-male-shuttler-loses-at-malaysia-open-pic.html |publisher=Badminton Planet |access-date=11 April 2022}} A week later, he captured the Korea Open by defeating Chinese teammate Chen Jin in the final.{{cite news |title=China win three golds at Korea Open |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2007-01/28/content_794704_6.htm |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=11 April 2022}} He went on to win the German Open{{cite news |title=China dominates German Open |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2007-03/05/content_819690.htm |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=11 April 2022}} and then the All England championships again, crushing compatriot Chen Yu 21–13, 21–12.{{cite news |title=All England triumph for top seed couple |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2007-03/12/content_824980.htm |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=11 April 2022}} In June, Lin Dan was part of the Chinese Sudirman Cup team that retained the cup after beating Indonesia 3–0 in the final at Glasgow, Scotland.{{cite news |title=Nothing super about Lin Dan, says coach |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2007-06/22/content_899926.htm |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=11 April 2022}} Later in the season Lin defeated Wong Choong Hann of Malaysia and became the China Masters champion for 2007.{{cite web |title=China Masters SS 2007 |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/results/1884/china-masters-ss-2007/2007-07-15 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date=12 April 2022}} In August, Lin extended his reign as the World Champion when he beat Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21–11, 22–20 in the final of the tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.{{cite web |title=BWF World Championships 2007 13 – 19 August |url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/tournament/477/bwf-world-championships-2007/results/podium/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date=11 April 2022}} Lin Dan thus became the first man since Yang Yang to win back to back World Championships. He then won his third Denmark Open title,{{cite web |last=Panum |first=Jacob |title=Lin Dan vinder Denmark Open |url=https://www.dr.dk/sporten/badminton/lin-dan-vinder-denmark-open |publisher=Danish Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 October 2007 |access-date=17 October 2024 |language=da}} and ended the year by claiming his fourth Hong Kong Open title.{{cite web |last=Sallay |first=Alvin |title=World number ones a winning pair |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/618091/world-number-ones-winning-pair |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=22 June 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622060855/https://www.scmp.com/article/618091/world-number-ones-winning-pair |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}}

File:Lin Dan.jpg, Hong Kong, 2008]]

Lin started the season with a defeat in the final of the Korea Open to Lee Hyun-il.{{cite news |title=World No 1 Lin Dan loses to Lee Hyun-Il in Korea Open |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90779/90867/6346129.html |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=People's Daily |date=28 January 2008}} It was a match filled with controversy as Lin had a scuffle with South Korea's coach Li Mao after a line call dispute. Lin refused to apologise and received no punishment from Badminton World Federation (BWF) after its probe of the altercation.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan refuses to apologize for Korean Open scuffle |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31650020080129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108142115/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-31650020080129 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2016 |access-date=18 May 2011 |agency=Reuters India |date=29 January 2008}}{{cite news |title=Lin Dan incident closed |url=http://shanghaiist.com/2008/03/16/lin_dan_inciden.php |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=shanghaiist |date=16 March 2008 |archive-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105220226/http://shanghaiist.com/2008/03/16/lin_dan_inciden.php |url-status=dead}} In March, he suffered another defeat to his compatriot Chen Jin in the final of the All England Open,{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Lin Dan suffers shock All England final loss |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-badminton-series-england-idUKL0934139220080309 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108142115/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-badminton-series-england-idUKL0934139220080309 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2016 |access-date=18 May 2011 |agency=Reuters UK |date=9 March 2008}} which was followed by press accusations that Lin "gave" the match to Chen in order to increase Chen's ranking points for Olympic qualification (which placed stringent limits on the number of participants from any one country).{{cite news |script-title=zh:林丹"护航"陈金保资格 称愿多一些同伴打奥运 |url=http://sports.enorth.com.cn/system/2008/04/19/003164809.shtml |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=enorth.com.cn |date=19 April 2008 |language=zh |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107221635/http://sports.enorth.com.cn/system/2008/04/19/003164809.shtml |url-status=dead}} In the following week, Lin won his first Swiss Open.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan Juara, Kalahkan Chong Wei |url=http://www.kompas.com/lipsus112009/kpkread/2008/03/16/22163177/Lin.Dan.Juara..Kalahkan.Chong.Wei. |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=Kompas |date=16 March 2008 |language=id |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906202501/http://www.kompas.com/lipsus112009/kpkread/2008/03/16/22163177/Lin.Dan.Juara..Kalahkan.Chong.Wei. |archive-date=6 September 2013}} At the Asian Championships, Lin was again accused of helping his compatriot when his loss to Chen Jin in the semi-finals ensured Chen's qualification for the Olympic Games.{{cite web |last=Sachetat |first=Raphael |title=Asian Champs 2008 – Chen Jin gets OG ticket as expected |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/bac-chen-jin-gets-og-ticket-as-expected/999/ |access-date=18 May 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=19 April 2008 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084112/http://www.badzine.net/news/bac-chen-jin-gets-og-ticket-as-expected/999/ |url-status=dead}}

On 10 April 2008, Lin was involved in yet another controversy when he struck coach Ji Xinpeng in front of his teammates and the media during an intra-squad tournament prior to the Thomas Cup. The incident was allegedly triggered by his unhappiness with Ji's arrangement of the starting line-up for the tournament.{{cite web |script-title=zh:林丹发威当众拳打教练 吉新鹏遭突袭并未还手 |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/sports/2008-04/10/content_7950671.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414105650/http://news.xinhuanet.com/sports/2008-04/10/content_7950671.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 April 2008 |access-date=2 February 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=10 April 2008 |language=zh}} Despite the episode, in May Lin proceeded to win each match he played in the Thomas Cup until China's semi-finals clash with Malaysia when he lost rather tamely to Lee Chong Wei. However, China still managed to reach the final by edging Malaysia 3–2,{{cite news |title=Badminton-China reach Thomas Cup final despite Lin defeat |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/badminton-cup-idUSB48663020080516 |access-date=18 May 2011 |agency=Reuters US |date=16 May 2008}} then retained the cup against South Korea with Lin's win at first singles helping China to a 3–1 victory.{{cite news |title=China defeats South Korea in Thomas Cup final |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/sports/18iht-badmin18.12992072.html |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=31 December 1969}}

Lin won the Thailand Open, his last tournament before the 2008 Olympic Games.{{cite web |last=Sachetat |first=Raphael |title=Thailand Open 2008 – Golden duo to shine in Bangkok |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/scg-thailand-open/1135/ |access-date=18 May 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=25 June 2008 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201114/http://www.badzine.net/news/scg-thailand-open/1135/ |url-status=dead}}

In the Beijing Olympic Games, he beat Hong Kong's Ng Wei in the first round,{{cite news |title=Chinese badminton golden couple enjoy wins at Olympics |url=http://mathaba.net/news/?x=601740 |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=mathaba |date=11 August 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009041206/http://mathaba.net/news/?x=601740 |archive-date=9 October 2013}} Park Sung-hwan in the second round,{{cite news |title=Olympics: China, Malaysia storm into badminton quarter-finals |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/367396/1/.html |access-date=18 May 2011 |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=13 August 2008 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022220457/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/367396/1/.html |url-status=dead}} and Peter Gade in the quarter-finals.{{cite news |title=Super Dan moves further on road to badminton title at Beijing Olympic Games |url=http://mathaba.net/news/?x=602319 |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=mathaba |date=14 August 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009023909/http://mathaba.net/news/?x=602319 |archive-date=9 October 2013}} He then beat his teammate Chen Jin in straight sets to set up a "dream" final against Lee Chong Wei.{{cite news |title=BADMINTON: World No. 1 China's Lin Dan overpowers rival Lee |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2008/08/18/2003420655 |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=Taipei Times |date=18 August 2008}} However, the final was a one-sided match as Lin beat Lee 21–12, 21–8, and became the first men's singles player to win the Olympic gold as a first seed.{{cite web |title=Chong Wei offers no excuse after tame loss to Lin Dan |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/8/18/olympics/22112564&sec=Olympics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818132031/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F8%2F18%2Folympics%2F22112564&sec=olympics |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2008 |access-date=18 May 2011 |work=The Star |date=18 August 2008}}

Not back in action until the China Open in November, Lin again beat Lee in the final,{{cite web |title=Formidable Lin Dan proves to be a handful for Chong Wei |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/11/25/sports/2634720&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018042657/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F11%2F25%2Fsports%2F2634720&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |access-date=18 May 2011 |work=The Star |date=25 November 2008}} before losing to Chen Jin once again in the Hong Kong Open.{{cite news |title=Chen edges Lin to claim Super Series |url=http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=236591 |access-date=18 May 2011 |newspaper=Gulf Daily News |date=1 December 2008 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610200846/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=236591 |url-status=dead}} Lin was eligible to participate in the lucrative Masters Finals in December, but due to the withdrawal of the whole Chinese contingent (citing weariness and injuries), he didn't take part in the tournament.{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Badminton: China snub BWF by pulling out from Masters Finals |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/12/sports/2784811&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223003809/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F12%2F12%2Fsports%2F2784811&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 December 2008 |access-date=18 May 2011 |work=The Star |date=12 December 2008}}

In March, at his first tournament appearance of 2009, Lin won his fourth All England title without dropping a game, defeating Lee Chong Wei in the final.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Fourth All England title for Lin Dan |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-38405420090308 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321014515/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-38405420090308 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2009 |access-date=18 March 2011 |work=Reuters |date=8 March 2009}} After this dominant performance, he lost to Lee in the final of Swiss Open a week later.{{cite news |last=Phelan |first=Mark |title=Swiss Open 2009 – China and Malaysia Split the Medals |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/wilson-swiss-open-china-and-malaysia-split-the-medals/1669/ |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=16 March 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191229/http://www.badzine.net/news/wilson-swiss-open-china-and-malaysia-split-the-medals/1669/ |url-status=dead}}

In May, Lin participated in the Sudirman Cup helping China to consecutive 5–0 victories over England, Japan, and Indonesia.{{cite news |last=Jin |first=Zhang |title=China on a Winning Start for 7th Sudirman Cup |url=http://english.cri.cn/6909/2009/05/10/1461s483478.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104340/http://english.cri.cn/6909/2009/05/10/1461s483478.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=18 March 2011 |newspaper=Crienglish.com |date=10 May 2009}}{{cite web |last=Lin |first=Jan |title=Sudirman Cup 2009 Day 3 – Chinese on a Roll, Danes on Death Row |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/sudirman-cup-day-3-chinese-on-a-roll-danes-on-death-row/1828/ |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=13 May 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084128/http://www.badzine.net/news/sudirman-cup-day-3-chinese-on-a-roll-danes-on-death-row/1828/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Sasongko |first=A Tjahjo |title=Simon Paksa Lin Dan 'Rubber Game' |url=http://olahraga.kompas.com/read/2009/05/14/2132470/simon.paksa.lin.dan.quotrubber.gamequot |access-date=18 March 2011 |newspaper=KOMPAS.com |date=14 May 2009}} In the semi-finals against Malaysia Lin defeated Lee Chong Wei in straight games as China advanced to the final against South Korea with another shutout.{{cite web |last=Rajes |first=Paul |title=Lin Dan and Cai Yun-Haifeng snuff out Malaysian hopes in semis |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/5/17/sports/3925637&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520141216/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F5%2F17%2Fsports%2F3925637&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 May 2009 |access-date=18 March 2011 |work=The Star |date=17 May 2009}} In the last round the same form held true as Lin beat Park Sung-hwan thus helping China to secure the Cup for the third time in a row, and each time without dropping a match in the series.{{cite web |last=Lin |first=Jan |title=Sudirman Cup 2009 Final – China Completes KORonation |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/sudirman-cup-final-china-completes-koronation/1839/ |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=18 May 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102425/http://www.badzine.net/news/sudirman-cup-final-china-completes-koronation/1839/ |url-status=dead}}

During the rest of 2009, Lin dropped only two matches; in June in the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Open,{{cite web |title=Lin Dan knocked out at Indonesia Open |url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-06/20/content_17983104.htm |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=China Internet Information Center |date=20 June 2009}} and, perhaps most surprisingly, in the finals of December's East Asian Games in Hong Kong to South Korea's little known Choi Ho-jin.{{cite news |title=China's Lin Dan upset at East Asian Games |url=http://english.sina.com/sports/p/2009/1213/292677.html |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=Sina |date=13 December 2009}}{{cite web |title=Choi Ho Jin beats Lin Dan for men's singles gold |url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-12/13/content_19057441.htm |date=13 December 2009 |access-date=17 October 2024 |publisher=Xinhua |via=China.org.cn |archive-date=17 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241017103445/http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-12/13/content_19057441.htm |url-status=live}} Aside from those upsets, Lin dominated. In August in Hyderabad he became the first player to win the World Championships three times by beating compatriot Chen Jin in the final.{{cite news |title=Lin beats Chen in all-Chinese final |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=4402434 |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=ESPN |date=16 August 2009}} Later Lin would go on to win his fourth China Masters title{{cite news |title='Super Dan' leads China to Masters sweep |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\09\21\story_21-9-2009_pg2_11 |access-date=13 June 2013 |newspaper=Daily Times |date=20 September 2009}} and first French Open title.{{cite web |last=Phelan |first=Mark |title=French Open 2009 Finals – Super Dan is back! |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/yonex-french-open-finals-super-dan-is-back/2198/ |access-date=18 March 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=2 November 2009 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102524/http://www.badzine.net/news/yonex-french-open-finals-super-dan-is-back/2198/ |url-status=dead}} He ended his tournament winning streak in November with the China Open title,{{cite web |title=Lin Dan wins China Open badminton title |url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-11/22/content_18933078.htm |access-date=17 October 2024 |publisher=Xinhua |via=China.org.cn |date=22 November 2009 |archive-date=17 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241017102630/http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2009-11/22/content_18933078.htm |url-status=live}} before the late-year upset loss in the East Asian Games in Hong Kong.

File:Lin Dan (CHN).jpg

After starting the season disappointingly with quarterfinal losses at both the All England and Swiss Opens,{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Dave |title=Lin Dan dethroned at All England event |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-badminton-series-england-idUKTRE62B4OP20100312 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108142115/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-badminton-series-england-idUKTRE62B4OP20100312 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2016 |access-date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters UK |date=12 March 2010}}{{cite web |title=Just 'The Thing' to get Lin Dan back on track again |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2010/5/7/sports/6208722&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509012211/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F5%2F7%2Fsports%2F6208722&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 May 2010 |access-date=14 March 2011 |work=The Star |date=7 May 2010}} Lin won his first title of the year at the Badminton Asia Championships in New Delhi, which also marked his first victory at this annual event.{{cite news |last=Rajan |first=Sanjay |title=China's Lin Dan wins first Asian title |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-47792020100418 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108142115/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-47792020100418 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2016 |access-date=14 March 2011 |agency=Reuters India |date=18 April 2010}}

Taking part in his fifth Thomas Cup campaign for China in May, Lin won a pair of hard-fought encounters with South Korea's Park Sung-hwan in the group ties and the quarter-finals respectively.{{cite web |title=China ousts S Korea in repeated match at Thomas Cup quarterfinal |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-05/12/c_13290597.htm |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515071115/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-05/12/c_13290597.htm |archive-date=15 May 2010}} In the semi-finals, he handily defeated Lee Chong Wei in contributing to China's 3–0 victory over Malaysia and a berth in the final against long time rival Indonesia.{{cite web |last=Xuequan |first=Mu |title=China edges out Malaysia to reach Thomas Cup final |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-05/15/c_13295370.htm |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=15 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412093652/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-05/15/c_13295370.htm |archive-date=12 April 2011}} Here, Lin led off with a comfortable victory over familiar opponent Taufik Hidayat, as China went on to capture its eighth Men's World Team title; its fourth consecutively.{{cite news |title=China outclass Indonesia to win badminton Thomas Cup |url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/178102/china-outclass-indonesia-to-win-badminton-thomas-cup |access-date=14 March 2011 |newspaper=Bangkok Post |date=16 May 2010}}

After the Thomas Cup triumph, Lin played in the World Championships in Paris, France. He won his opening match{{cite news |title=Lin and Lee win opener at badminton worlds |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article589624.ece |access-date=13 April 2011 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 August 2010 |location=Chennai, India}} and then beat Henri Hurskainen and Bao Chunlai in the second and third rounds respectively{{cite news |title=Badminton: Lin Dan advances into last 16 at world championships |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1077115/1/.html |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=26 August 2010 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022111605/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1077115/1/.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=World Badminton Championships 2010: China's Lin Dan continues Paris run |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7965257/World-Badminton-Championships-2010-Chinas-Lin-Dan-continues-Paris-run.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829090402/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/badminton/7965257/World-Badminton-Championships-2010-Chinas-Lin-Dan-continues-Paris-run.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 August 2010 |access-date=14 March 2011 |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=26 August 2010 |location=London}} before being upset by Park Sung-hwan in the quarter-finals. That day also saw his archrival Lee Chong Wei exit from the tournament which was eventually won by Lin's compatriot Chen Jin.{{cite news |title=Sluggish Lin Dan slumps to unexpected loss |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sluggish+Lin+Dan+slumps+to+unexpected+loss-a01612311955 |access-date=13 June 2013 |newspaper=The Free Library |date=27 August 2010 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102060052/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sluggish+Lin+Dan+slumps+to+unexpected+loss-a01612311955 |url-status=dead}} Lin then bounced back to win the China Masters,{{cite news |title=China sweeps home Super Series |url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/Portals/0/PDF_Files/pdf10/sep/20/44.pdf |access-date=13 June 2013 |newspaper=Arab Times Online |date=19 September 2010 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803053707/http://www.arabtimesonline.com/Portals/0/PDF_Files/pdf10/sep/20/44.pdf |url-status=dead}} but

lost the final of the Japan Open to Lee Chong Wei the following week,{{cite news |title=Lee Chong Wei beats Lin Dan to lift the Japan Open title |url=http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/health2053.html |access-date=13 June 2013 |newspaper=Whats on Xiamen |date=27 September 2010}} and conceded walkovers in the quarter-finals of both the China Open,{{cite news |title=China Open Super Series 2010: Jorgensen and Lin Dan Withdraw |url=http://www.badmintonlife.com/2010/china-open-super-series-2010-jorgensen-and-lin-dan-withdraw/ |access-date=14 March 2011 |newspaper=Badminton Life |date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207061647/http://www.badmintonlife.com/2010/china-open-super-series-2010-jorgensen-and-lin-dan-withdraw/ |archive-date=7 December 2010 |url-status=dead}} and Hong Kong Open late in the year.{{cite web |last=Xiang |first=Zhang |title=Lin Dan quits Hong Kong Badminton Open |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-12/10/c_13644127.htm |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=10 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214084832/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2010-12/10/c_13644127.htm |archive-date=14 December 2010}}

However, Lin managed to win his first ever Asian Games gold medal in November by beating Lee Chong Wei in final,{{cite web |url=http://www.badmintonlife.com/2010/asian-games-2010-lin-dan-secures-gold/ |title=Asian Games 2010: Lin Dan Secures Gold |access-date=21 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127071702/http://www.badmintonlife.com/2010/asian-games-2010-lin-dan-secures-gold/ |archive-date=27 November 2010}} thus, at 27, becoming the first player to win all of the present major titles available to Asian men in badminton, both individual and national team.{{cite news |title="Super Dan" wraps badminton Grand Slam, world champion Bai fails to impress at Asiad track |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/98670/101080/101089/7205896.html |access-date=14 March 2011 |newspaper=People's Daily |date=22 November 2010}} Lin was voted the most valuable player (MVP) at the games' closing ceremony.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan voted Guangzhou Asian Games Samsung MVP |url=http://www.gz2010.cn/10/1126/23/6MF21MHU0078002T.html |access-date=26 November 2010 |newspaper=gz2010.cn |date=27 November 2010 |archive-date=30 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130000008/http://www.gz2010.cn/10/1126/23/6MF21MHU0078002T.html |url-status=dead}}

File:Badminton-lin dan.jpg

Lin began the year with a withdrawal in the Malaysia Open's quarter-finals, which marked his third consecutive withdrawal since late 2010. This action brought some criticism, particularly by well known fellow competitor Taufik Hidayat.{{cite news |title=Badminton-Lin Dan pullout irks leading rivals |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22012011/2/badminton-lin-dan-pullout-irks-leading-rivals.html |access-date=2 February 2011 |newspaper=Yahoo! Eurosport |date=22 January 2011}} The very next week Lin sprang back to win the first ever million dollar badminton tournament, Korea Open by beating Lee Chong Wei in the final.{{cite news |title=China cash in at $1.2 million Korean Open |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54520220110131 |access-date=13 June 2013 |work=Reuters |date=31 January 2011}} He next won the German Open, beating his compatriot and reigning world champion Chen Jin in the final.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan shows he's the boss |url=http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=46040 |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=BWF |date=7 March 2011 |archive-date=19 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919190927/http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=46040 |url-status=dead}}

At the prestigious All England Championships in March his hopes for a fifth title were put on hold when he was defeated by Lee Chong Wei in the final.{{cite news |last=Eaton |first=Richard |title=Super Dan can achieve open era record |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h5V7z2KPmLfapsmH70AXYJswg0tg?docId=CNG.6a3f0a68a603df735060c8e17b063a0f.2b1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223073422/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h5V7z2KPmLfapsmH70AXYJswg0tg?docId=CNG.6a3f0a68a603df735060c8e17b063a0f.2b1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=13 March 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=8 March 2011}}{{cite news |script-title=zh:全英赛-林丹失误频频0比2不敌李宗伟 无缘第五冠 |url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2011-03-14/01275487472.shtml |access-date=14 March 2011 |publisher=Sina Corp |date=14 March 2011 |language=zh}} However, in April he won his second Asian Championships on a day which saw China sweep all five titles{{cite web |last=Shasha |first=Deng |title="Super Dan" defends men's singles' title at Asian championships |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-04/24/c_13843790.htm |access-date=24 April 2011 |newspaper=Xinhua |date=24 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427084457/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-04/24/c_13843790.htm |archive-date=27 April 2011}} and in May he helped China to a fourth consecutive Sudirman Cup title by defeating Denmark 3–0 in the final.{{cite news |last=Stebbings |first=Peter |title=China crush Denmark to win Sudirman badminton |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hNcV27rlyzJwEE1MuELMx1z0X07Q?docId=CNG.0523b3d2cc2f33b4bd9269bded6f6be6.1131 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223073414/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hNcV27rlyzJwEE1MuELMx1z0X07Q?docId=CNG.0523b3d2cc2f33b4bd9269bded6f6be6.1131 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=3 June 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=31 May 2011}} In June, Lin's withdrawal from the Singapore Open final due to gastric flu drew jeers from fans in the stadium.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan's withdrawal draws jeers |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110620-284925.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623044322/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110620-284925.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 June 2011 |access-date=20 June 2011 |newspaper=asiaone |date=20 June 2011}} Just few days later, he was upset by Sho Sasaki in the second round of Indonesia Open.{{cite web |title=China's Super Dan out of Indonesia Badminton Open |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-06/24/c_13948222.htm |access-date=27 June 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=24 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627231234/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-06/24/c_13948222.htm |archive-date=27 June 2011}}

Healthy again in August, Lin won his fourth World Championship title by beating familiar rivals Peter Gade in the semi-finals and Lee Chong Wei in a very tight three game final at Wembley Arena, a venue which would host the badminton competition for 2012 Summer Olympics.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.720/lin-topples-lee-for-badminton-world-title-1.1110839 |title=Lin topples Lee for badminton world title |date=14 August 2011 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=16 August 2011}}

The rather up and down season for Lin continued with the China Masters in September where he was ousted in the semi-finals, and at the Japan Open where he withdrew from the semifinals.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan suffers 3rd loss at China Masters |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-09/17/content_13727016.htm |access-date=19 September 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=17 September 2011}}{{cite news |title=Badminton superstar Lin Dan out of Japan Open |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXxKoUY8UaLNImIhSn4EGgigCDdQ?docId=CNG.e6e161aabfb0f5da155ad5b8a2833fd5.6f1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223073425/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hXxKoUY8UaLNImIhSn4EGgigCDdQ?docId=CNG.e6e161aabfb0f5da155ad5b8a2833fd5.6f1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=26 September 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=24 September 2011}} This was followed up by a shock exit in the second round of the Denmark Open to Hong Kong player Wong Wing Ki,{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Rajes |title=Lin Dan falls tamely in second round, Chong Wei in the last eight |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/10/22/sports/9754302&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024141849/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F10%2F22%2Fsports%2F9754302&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 October 2011 |access-date=24 October 2011 |work=The Star |date=22 October 2011}} and another withdrawal during the semifinals of French Open despite leading in the match. He told officials that he was suffering from paronychia (an infection below the fingernail).{{cite web |last=Hafi |first=Tarek |title=French Open SF – Jung/Lee's streak continues |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/french-open-sf-junglees-streak-continues/17166/ |access-date=31 October 2011 |publisher=Badzine |date=29 October 2011}}{{cite news |script-title=zh:林丹甲沟炎复发本赛季第四次退赛 接近胜利时又退了 |url=http://character.workercn.cn/c/2011/11/03/111103151450881335807.html |access-date=4 November 2011 |newspaper=Workercn.cn |date=3 November 2011 |language=zh}} This was his sixth retirement of the season and many in the media imputed that this was part of a strategy to improve the rankings of other Chinese singles players to allow the maximum number to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.{{cite news |title=Coach under fire for Lin Dan absence |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-10/13/content_13893873.htm |access-date=2 November 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=13 October 2011}} Both Lin and Chinese coach Li Yongbo denied this, citing, instead, the heavy tournament schedule that BWF required of top players, and Lin's need to be ready for the biggest events such as the Olympics.{{cite news |script-title=zh:李永波为林丹澄清误解 频繁退赛非"让赛"(图) |url=http://roll.sohu.com/20111103/n324357307.shtml |access-date=4 November 2011 |newspaper=Sohu |date=3 November 2011 |language=zh}}{{cite news |script-title=zh:林丹解释最近频繁退赛：赛程紧密对我有影响 |url=http://news.lnd.com.cn/htm/2011-11/03/content_2006317.htm |access-date=4 November 2011 |newspaper=Ind.com.cn |date=3 November 2011 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108052039/http://news.lnd.com.cn/htm/2011-11/03/content_2006317.htm |archive-date=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead}} In any case, Lin's slump did not last long. He ended the year by winning three straight events, His fifth Hong Kong Open, the China Open,{{cite news |title='Super Dan' coasts to Hong Kong Open title |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Super-Dan-coasts-to-Hong-Kong-Open-title/articleshow/10803331.cms |access-date=20 November 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=20 November 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse}}{{cite news |title=Lin Dan triumphs as China's shuttlers dominate |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-27/badminton/30446466_1_mathias-boe-doubles-crown-seeds |access-date=28 November 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=27 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and his first Super Series Masters Finals title.{{cite news |title=China's Lin Dan wins 1st "Super Grand Slam" |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Chinas-Lin-Dan-wins-1st-Super-Grand-Slam/articleshow/11156179.cms |access-date=18 December 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 December 2011}}

File:Badminton at the 2012 Summer Olympics 9311.jpg

Lin started the year by losing to Lee Chong Wei in the final of the Korea Open,{{cite news |title=Lee beats foe Lin Dan in Seoul final |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gp_Oy4d6Ouo7w1CmsafLSrnPRZUQ?docId=CNG.b6ef0bda0902740b63311118a1506fbc.1e1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223073410/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gp_Oy4d6Ouo7w1CmsafLSrnPRZUQ?docId=CNG.b6ef0bda0902740b63311118a1506fbc.1e1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=9 January 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=8 January 2012}} and then losing in the second round of the Malaysia Open to Denmark's Jan O. Jorgensen.{{cite web |title=Jorgensen dumps world champ Lin Dan out of Malaysia Open |url=http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2012/1/13/sports/10256742&sec=sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115055802/http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F1%2F13%2Fsports%2F10256742&sec=sports |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2012 |access-date=16 January 2012 |work=The Star |date=13 January 2012}} In early March, he took his first title of the season by winning his fifth German Open.{{cite news |script-title=zh:德国赛林丹横扫 男双黑马神奇登顶 |url=http://news.lnd.com.cn/xwzx/htm/2012-03/05/content_2191762.htm |access-date=5 March 2012 |newspaper=Liaoning Daily |date=5 March 2012 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905193253/http://news.lnd.com.cn/xwzx/htm/2012-03/05/content_2191762.htm |archive-date=5 September 2013 |url-status=dead}} The very next week, he won his fifth All England Open title as rival Lee Chong Wei was forced to retire in discomfort early in the second game of the final.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan beats Chong Wei for 5th All England title |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Lin-Dan-beats-Chong-Wei-for-5th-All-England-title/articleshow/12224631.cms |access-date=12 March 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=11 March 2012}} In April, Lin was again the subject of some controversy when he withdrew from the semifinals of the Asian Championships, a move that was openly seen as a ploy to secure an Olympic berth for his compatriot Chen Jin.{{cite news |last=Zhe |first=Tang |title=Lin helps Chen get to cusp of Olympics |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-04/23/content_15110785.htm |access-date=29 April 2012 |newspaper=China Daily |date=23 April 2012}}

In Wuhan, China in May, Lin Dan and his teammates won all of their individual matches in each tie they played to win their fifth consecutive Thomas Cup (remarkably China's women also went entirely undefeated to regain the Uber Cup from South Korea).{{cite news |title=China claims fifth consecutive Thomas title |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2012-05/27/content_15397724.htm |access-date=28 May 2012 |newspaper=China Daily |date=27 May 2012}} With only a week between Thomas Cup and the Thailand Open in early June, a fatigued Lin lost in the semi-finals to Indonesia's highly capable Sony Dwi Kuncoro.{{cite web |last=Jew |first=Gerald |title=Thailand Open SF – Two Lins out, three Thais in |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/thailand-open-sf-two-lins-out-three-thais-in/20059/ |access-date=17 June 2012 |publisher=Badzine |date=10 June 2012}}

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Lin routinely beat Ireland's Scott Evans to qualify for the main draw of sixteen players where he started by trouncing fading star Taufik Hidayat.{{cite web |title=Olympics badminton: Lin Dan defeats Scott Evans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18907107 |access-date=5 August 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 July 2012}}{{cite news |title=Lin Dan beats Taufik Hidayat, Lee Chong Wei reach Olympic badminton quarterfinals |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/chinas-in-form-li-xuerui-reaches-olympic-badminton-quarterfinals/2012/08/01/gJQAhmteOX_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718084623/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/chinas-in-form-li-xuerui-reaches-olympic-badminton-quarterfinals/2012/08/01/gJQAhmteOX_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2019 |access-date=5 August 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=1 August 2012}} In the quarter-finals, however, Japan's hard-fighting Sho Sasaki put Lin to the test before yielding 16–21 in the third game.{{cite news |last=Eaton |first=Richard |title=Sho close as badminton's Lin survives scare |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gm_Ig97CMklkBGwkU_8F2zORU_6w?docId=CNG.2171bcfd09aa9736702c73b065bfa2a1.a81 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223073416/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gm_Ig97CMklkBGwkU_8F2zORU_6w?docId=CNG.2171bcfd09aa9736702c73b065bfa2a1.a81 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2014 |access-date=5 August 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=3 August 2012}} Lin then handily beat South Korean veteran Lee Hyun-il in the semi-finals to set up yet another meeting with his chief rival Lee Chong Wei.{{cite news |title=Lee, Lin set-up dream Olympic badminton finale |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120803-lee-lin-set-dream-olympic-badminton-finale |access-date=5 August 2012 |publisher=France 24 |date=3 August 2012}} {{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Unlike the 2008 Olympic finals, this one was no cakewalk for Lin. He lost the first game to Lee but came back strongly to take the second. The rubber game was a thriller which saw Lin claw back from slight deficits most of the way to finally prevail 21–19.{{cite web |title=London 2012: Lin Dan's old profile soars after second Olympic badminton gold |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/05/london-2012-table-tennis-china?newsfeed=true |access-date=5 August 2012 |work=The Guardian |date=5 August 2012}} An ecstatic Lin thus became the first men's singles player to retain the Olympic title, while Lee, now almost 30, was once again foiled at one of the sport's two biggest events (aside from the Thomas and Uber Cups), the Olympics and the World Championships.{{cite web |title=London 2012 Badminton: Lin Dan beats Lee Chong Wei to win Gold |url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/item/194757-london-2012-badminton-lin-dan-beats-lee-chong-wei-to-win-gold |access-date=5 August 2012 |publisher=NDTV |date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807162340/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/badminton/item/194757-london-2012-badminton-lin-dan-beats-lee-chong-wei-to-win-gold |archive-date=7 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}

After his 2012 Olympic victory Lin did not make another tournament appearance until the Asian Championships, in April where, citing injury, he withdrew from the quarter-finals.{{cite news |title=Badminton: Injured "Super Dan" quits Asia Championship |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/badminton-injured-super/644130.html |access-date=30 April 2013 |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=19 April 2013 |archive-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817004319/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/badminton-injured-super/644130.html |url-status=dead}} Amid some speculation that he was planning to retire, Lin was granted a special wild card entry into the World Championships in Guangzhou, as, despite his great achievements, his recent inactivity had caused his world ranking to fall below that of other Chinese players who would then normally fill the maximum quota of three entrants that any one country was allowed.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan stunner |url=http://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/lin-dan-stunner-1.275705?cache=03D163D03edding-pred-1.1176%2F%3FpFpentwage63Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Frea-rti3D19.3D163D03edding-pred-1.1176%2F%3FpFpentwage63Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Frea-r%3Fpage%3D0 |access-date=25 June 2013 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=10 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103134804/http://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/lin-dan-stunner-1.275705?cache=03D163D03edding-pred-1.1176%2F%3FpFpentwage63Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Frea-rti3D19.3D163D03edding-pred-1.1176%2F%3FpFpentwage63Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Frea-r%3Fpage%3D0 |archive-date=3 November 2013}} Without appearing in any tournament between the Badminton Asia Championships in April and the World Championships in August, Lin was able to convert this wildcard entry into his fifth world title. He won all of his matches in straight games until the final where, yet again, hard-luck Lee Chong Wei could not quite catch him in the third game rubber, and was forced to submit with a painful cramp down 17–20.{{cite news |title=Lin takes world title after Lee retires hurt |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/sports-news/OtherSports/Lin-takes-world-title-after-Lee-retires-hurt/Article1-1106543.aspx |access-date=11 August 2013 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=11 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105002629/http://www.hindustantimes.com/sports-news/OtherSports/Lin-takes-world-title-after-Lee-retires-hurt/Article1-1106543.aspx |archive-date=5 November 2013}}

After seven month tournament absence, Lin, down to 104th in the official world rankings, returned in April and took titles in the China Masters,{{cite web |last=Sukumar |first=Dev |title=China Masters GPG 2014: Triumphant Return for Lin Dan |url=http://bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=83204 |access-date=17 October 2024 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=20 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703230226/http://bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=83204 |archive-date=3 July 2014}} and the Asian Championships in quick succession.{{cite web |title=Unseeded Lin Dan wins Asia Championships title, Wang Shixian beaten |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-04/27/c_133293807.htm |access-date=28 April 2014 |publisher=Xinhua |date=27 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512151138/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-04/27/c_133293807.htm |archive-date=12 May 2014}} Lin was part of China's Thomas Cup team which defended its title in May, but because of his deflated ranking could only play at third singles. Consequently, when China met a talented and highly motivated Japanese team in the semi-finals at New Delhi, Lin could only watch helplessly as Japan took the first two singles and a doubles to break China's ten year streak of men's world team titles.{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Amlan |title=Japan ends China's Thomas Cup domination |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/05/24/Japan-ends-Chinas-Thomas-Cup-domination/ |access-date=22 June 2014 |work=The Star |location=Malaysia |date=24 May 2014}} Beyond this disappointment, the BWF would not grant Lin a wild card entry into the 2014 World Championships, as they did in 2013. Thus Lin could not defend his title which was won by Chinese teammate Chen Long who defeated the unlucky Lee Chong Wei in a close two game final.{{cite web |last1=Sachetat |first1=Raphael |title=No Wild Card for Lin Dan…nor anyone |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/no-wild-card-for-lin-dan-nor-anyone/30126/ |publisher=Badzine |date=30 April 2014 |access-date=16 September 2014}}

In June, Lin lost in the quarter-finals of Japan Open.{{cite news |last1=Sukumar |first1=Dev |title=Yonex Open Japan – Day 4: Lin Dan, Chen Long beaten |url=http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=84698 |access-date=22 June 2014 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=13 June 2014 |archive-date=19 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919185635/http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=84698 |url-status=dead}} Shortly afterwards, he won the Australian Open, his first Superseries title since the 2012 All England Open,{{cite news |last1=Paul |first1=Rajes |title=Lin Dan on the way up with Australian Open win |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/06/29/Lin-Dan-primed-for-top-ten-return-with-Australian-Open-win/ |access-date=29 June 2014 |work=The Star |date=29 June 2014}} and then won the Grand Prix title in the Chinese Taipei Open.{{cite web |last=Sukumar |first=Dev |title=Yonex Open Chinese Taipei 2014 – Review: Sensational Triumph for Polii/Maheswari |url=http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=86605 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=20 July 2014 |access-date=17 October 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120005705/http://www.bwfbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=86605 |archive-date=20 November 2014}} In September, he successfully defended his men's singles title in the Incheon Asian Games and was also a part of the men's team winning the silver medal.{{cite news |title='Super Dan' defends Asiad title in all-Chinese final |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2014-09/30/content_18685988.htm |newspaper=China Daily |access-date=2 June 2023}} In November, Lin lost in the final of the China Open to Srikanth Kidambi from India.{{cite web |title=Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth Win China Open Titles |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/kidambi-srikanth-beats-home-favourite-lin-dan-to-win-china-open-1509574 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=13 April 2022}}

Lin won the men's singles title at the Asian Championships in China, defending his title won the previous year in South Korea. He defeated compatriot Tian Houwei 21–19, 21–8 in a match that lasted 50 minutes in the central city of Wuhan.{{cite news |title=China's Lin Dan wins Asia Championships title |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/Chinas-Lin-Dan-wins-Asia-Championships-title/articleshow/47059955.cms |work=The Times of India |date=26 April 2015}} Lin Dan contributed to China winning its 10th Sudirman Cup by defeating Japan's Takuma Ueda 21–15, 21–13 in the final for his team's third and decisive point. His return to the World Championships in August, however, was not particularly auspicious as he was routinely eliminated by Denmark's Jan Ø. Jørgensen in the quarter-finals, as Lin's compatriot Chen Long again prevailed over Lee Chong Wei in the finals. Recovering from this disappointment, in September, Lin won his only Superseries title of the year at the Japan Open, making a remarkable comeback after trailing 3–11 in the deciding game of the final against Denmark's young star Viktor Axelsen.{{cite web |title=Lin Dan clinches year's first Superseries title in Japan |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2015/09/13/Lin-Dan-clinches-Japan-Open-crown/ |work=The Star |date=13 September 2015}} He then participated in the Rio Olympics test tournament the Brasil Open in the end of the year, won the title after beating Pablo Abián in the final.{{cite web |title=China vence as cinco categorias do evento-teste do badminton |url=https://www.lance.com.br/rio2016/china-vence-cinco-categorias-evento-teste-badminton.html |work=Lance |date=29 November 2015 |access-date=17 October 2024 |language=pt-br}}

In March, Lin defeated Taiwan's Chou Tien-Chen in three hard games to clinch his seventh men's singles title at the German Open.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/detail/item134053/dan-claims-60th-title-in-germany/ |title=Dan claims 60th title in Germany | Badminton, More Popular Now, Uncategorized |access-date=7 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310005105/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/news/detail/item134053/dan-claims-60th-title-in-germany/ |archive-date=10 March 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1035104/lin-shows-character-to-triumph-at-bwf-german-open-as-china-dominate-final-day |title=Lin shows character to triumph at BWF German Open as China dominate final day |date=6 March 2016}} A week after this win, Lin regained his All England title in Birmingham, giving him his 6th victory at this prestigious event. In impressive form, he beat compatriot Tian Houwei 21–9, 21–10 in the final.{{cite web |title=Lin Dan wins record sixth All-England title |url=https://en.as.com/en/2016/03/13/other_sports/1457878566_705195.html |publisher=Diario AS |date=13 March 2016 |access-date=17 October 2024}}

In April, Lin Dan beat world No. 1 Chen Long in straight games to lift his sixth China Masters crown in Jiangsu, China. Here Lin showed his competitive mettle by coming from 11 to 16 behind in the second game to clinch the match 23–21.{{Cite web |last=Alleyne |first=Gayle |title=Lin Dan Masters Chen Long – Finals: Bonny China Masters 2016 |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2016/04/25/lin-dan-masters-chen-long-finals-bonny-china-masters-2016 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=25 April 2016 |access-date=17 October 2024}} In June, however, he was stunned in second round of Indonesia Open by eighteen year old Jonatan Christie.{{cite news |last=Wijaya |first=Callistasia Anggun |title=Jonatan upsets Lin Dan |date=3 June 2016 |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/06/03/jonatan-upsets-lin-dan.html |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |access-date=17 October 2024}}

At the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Lin sailed through his group round robin to qualify for the main draw. In the quarter-finals he was tested by India's Srikanth Kidambi, but pulled through 21–18 in the third game. This set up a sem-ifinals confrontation with long-time rival Lee Chong Wei which drew great fan interest as the players, both in their thirties, were assumed to be near retirement. In another epic match Lee was finally able to reverse past Olympic and World Championship losses to Lin and prevailed, 15–21, 21–11, 22–20.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/olympics/2016/08/19/lee-chong-wei--vs-lin-dan-badminton-rio-olympics-2016-semi-live/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/olympics/2016/08/19/lee-chong-wei--vs-lin-dan-badminton-rio-olympics-2016-semi-live/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan, Olympics badminton semi-final – live: Defending champion Lin beaten by inspired rival Lee |first=Adam |last=Hurrey |date=19 August 2016 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}{{cbignore}} But Lee's quest for Olympic gold after two silver medals ended with a disappointing finale, as he was beaten in two close games by Lin's compatriot Chen Long. In the bronze medal match, Lin played Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. After taking the first set 21–15, the two-time Olympic champion lost the next two and the match with a scoreline of 21–15, 10–21, 17–21.{{cite web |title=Rio Olympics: Viktor Axelsen beats Lin Dan to clinch bronze |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/rio-olympics-viktor-axelsen-beats-lin-dan-to-clinch-bronze-116082000619_1.html |work=Business Standard |access-date=11 April 2022}} After the Rio Olympics, he skipped all international tournaments for the remainder of the year.{{cite news |title=Tournament Results 2016 |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/player/50906/lin-dan |work=BWF |access-date=13 April 2022}}

In March, at the prestigious All England Championships Lin defeated Viktor Axelson in the quarter-finals but was eliminated in the semi-finals by his countryman Shi Yuqi, more than twelve years Lin's Junior.{{cite web |title=Listless Lin Dan loses match and his All-England Open title, but Lee Chong Wei storms into final |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2078168/listless-lin-dan-loses-match-and-his-all-england-open-title-lee-chong-wei |work=South China Morning Post |date=12 March 2017 |access-date=12 April 2022}} However, he bounced back to win the Swiss Open by beating Shi Yuqi in the finals.{{cite web |title=Swiss Open 2017 Finals – Sapsiree first to close the loop in 20 years |url=https://www.badzine.net/2017/03/swiss-open-finals-sapsiree-first-to-close-the-loop-in-20-years/ |publisher=Badzine |access-date=28 March 2022}} In April, he won the Malaysia Open for the first time by defeating Lee Chong Wei, who had virtually owned this title for more than a decade.{{cite web |title=China's Lin grabs first ever win in Malaysia Open |date=9 April 2017 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chinas-lin-grabs-first-ever-win-malaysia-open-102628266.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=12 April 2022}} In the China Masters, he lost in the semi-finals to Qiao Bin,{{cite web |title=Lin Dan suffers shock defeat in China Masters |date=23 April 2017 |url=https://badmintonasia.org/2017/04/23/lin-dan-suffers-shock-defeat-in-china-masters/ |publisher=Badminton Asia |access-date=17 October 2024}} and in the Asian Championships, where he recorded a sem-ifinals win over Lee Chong Wei, he took a silver medal after losing to Chen Long in the final.{{cite web |title=Badminton Asia Championships: Lin Dan runs out of steam against Chen Long; Tai Tzu Ying lifts title |date=May 2017 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/badminton-asia-championships-lin-dan-runs-out-of-steam-against-chen-long-tai-tzu-ying-lifts-title-3416808.html |work=Firstpost |access-date=12 April 2022}} Lin was beaten in the German and Indonesian Opens respectively in round of 16. He lost to Chen Long in the Australian Open quarter-finals.{{cite web |title=Chen Wins All-Star Battle – Day 4 Crown Group Australian Open 2017 |date=23 June 2017 |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/06/23/chen-wins-all-star-battle-day-4-crown-group-australian-open-2017 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date=17 October 2024}}

At the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, at age 33, Lin managed to reach a record seventh men's singles final by beating Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki, 21–17, 21–18 in the quarter-finals and beating Korea's Son Wan-ho, 21–17, 21–14 in the semi-finals. But in the finals, he was beaten in straight sets by his ten years younger opponent, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, 22–20, 21–16.{{cite web |title=Viktor Axelsen beats Lin Dan in the Total BWF World Championships |url=https://www.yonex.com/news/viktor-axelsen-beats-lin-dan-in-the-total-bwf-world-championships/ |publisher=Yonex |access-date=12 April 2022}}

In March, the 34-year-old Lin tied Rudy Hartono's record of reaching ten All England men's singles finals, but was foiled in his try for a seventh title by his much younger compatriot, Shi Yuqi in three exhausting games, 19–21, 21–16, 9–21.{{cite web |title=All England Open 2018: Shi Yuqi defeats Lin Dan to win maiden title; Tai Tzu Ying retains women's singles crown |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/all-england-open-2018-shi-yuqi-defeats-lin-dan-to-win-maiden-title-tai-tzu-ying-retains-womens-singles-crown-4395533.html |work=Firstpost |date=18 March 2018 |access-date=12 April 2022}} In May, he won the New Zealand Open by beating talented Indonesian youngster Jonatan Christie in two close games, 21–14, 21–19.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan of China wins New Zealand Badminton Open against Indonesia's Jonotan Christie |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/103673588/lin-dan-of-china-wins-new-zealand-badminton-open-against-indonesias-jonotan-christie |publisher=Stuff |access-date=12 April 2022}} Later that month, Lin was a member of the Chinese team which regained the Thomas Cup after four years of absence, though his team was never extended to a deciding 5th match which would have required his services in the third singles position.{{cite web |title=Thomas Cup Result |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/results/3194/total-bwf-thomas-uber-cup-finals-2018/draw/thomas-cup |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date=12 April 2022}}

In his first tournament of 2019, Lin reached the final of the Thailand Masters, where he lost to the up-and-coming Loh Kean Yew in two tightly contested games, 19–21, 18–21.{{cite web |date=15 January 2019 |access-date=13 April 2022 |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew stuns Chinese legend Lin Dan to claim Thai Masters title |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-stuns-chinese-legend-lin-dan-to-claim-thai-masters-title |work=The Straits Times}} In April, at the age of 35, he won his second Malaysia Open title, beating higher ranked compatriot Shi Yuqi, and Chen Long, in the semi-finals and finals respectively.{{cite web |last=Nadkarni |first=Shirish |date=7 April 2019 |title=Malaysia Open 2019: Lin Dan heralds return with well-crafted victory over Chen Long; Tai Tzu Ying eases past Akane Yamaguchi |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/malaysia-open-2019-lin-dan-heralds-return-with-well-crafted-victory-over-chen-long-tai-tzu-ying-eases-past-akane-yamaguchi-6404921.html |work=Firstpost |access-date=5 July 2020}} However, he withdrew from the Singapore Open during the first round against Viktor Axelsen, citing a "thigh injury", but only after being visibly upset by early line calls.{{cite web |date=10 April 2019 |access-date=30 October 2019 |last=Chia |first=Nicole |title=Badminton: Crowd boos Chinese star Lin Dan as he pulls out of Singapore Open, citing cramp |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-crowd-boos-chinese-star-lin-dan-as-he-pulls-out-of-singapore-open-citing-cramp |work=The Straits Times}} In May, he lost in the semi-finals of the New Zealand Open to Ng Ka Long in two straight games. In November, he lost in the final of the Korea Masters to Kanta Tsuneyama in another straight games defeat.{{cite news |title=Tsuneyama beats double Olympic gold medallist Lin to lift BWF Korea Masters title |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1087384/kanta-tsuneyama-wins-bwf-korea-masters |work=Inside The Games |access-date=2 June 2023}}

Lin began the 2020 season poorly. In January he was eliminated in the first round of the Malaysia Masters by Jan Ø. Jørgensen in two games, 19–21, 18–21.{{cite news |title=Lin Dan suffers early exit in Malaysia Masters |url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2020-01/09/content_75593642.htm |work=The China Internet Information Center |access-date=13 April 2022}} The following week, he participated in the Indonesia Masters and was defeated in the first round again, this time by Viktor Axelsen, who beat him in two relatively easy games, 12–21, 14–21.{{cite news |title=Indonesia Masters 2020 badminton results on January 14: Axelsen crushed Lin Dan's Olympic dream |url=https://webthethao.vn/cau-long/lich-thi-dau-va-ket-qua-cau-long-indonesia-masters-2020-ngay-14-1-tam-diem-axelsen-vs-lin-dan-113841.htm |work=Webthethao.vn |access-date=13 April 2022}} Lin then followed up with yet another first round exit at the Thailand Masters where he lost to Ng Ka Long.{{cite news |title=Lee Zii Jia advances, Lin Dan suffers another first round exit at the Thailand Masters |url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/15164-lee-zii-jia-advances-lin-dan-suffers-another-first-round-exit-thailand-masters.html |work=Badminton Planet |access-date=13 April 2022}} At the All England Open held in March, he reached the second round but was defeated by compatriot Chen Long.{{cite news |title=All England: Chochuwong Battles into Quarters |url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2020/03/13/all-england-chochuwong-battles-into-quarters/ |work=BWF |access-date=13 April 2022}} This turned out to be his last tournament as the rest of the world tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

On 4 July 2020, Lin announced his retirement, saying "at 37, pain and injuries no longer allow me to fight with my teammates. I have gratitude, a heavy heart and unwillingness."{{cite news |last1=Sukumar |first1=Dev |last2=Lim |first2=Zong Yen |date=4 July 2020 |title=Lin Dan Calls It A Day |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2020/07/04/lin-dan-calls-it-a-day/ |work=Badminton World Federation |access-date=5 July 2020}} After his retirement, he joined Instagram to stay connected with his fans all over the world.{{Cite web |last=hermesauto |date=2020-07-04 |title=Lin Dan joins Instagram |url=https://www.thegodofsports.com/lin-dan-instagram/ |access-date=2020-10-13 |website=God of Sports |language=en |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013002959/https://www.thegodofsports.com/lin-dan-instagram/ |url-status=dead}}

{{main|Lee–Lin rivalry}}

The Lee–Lin rivalry was a rivalry between two professional badminton players, Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan whose careers were almost exactly contemporaneous. The rivalry is often considered the greatest in the history of badminton even though Lin had the decided edge.{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2006316/lee-chong-wei-finally-steps-out-shadows-great-rival-lin-dan |title=Lee Chong Wei versus Lin Dan: fierce rivalry, friendship and a compelling Olympic story |author=Nazvi Careem |work=South China Morning Post |date=20 August 2016 |access-date=12 July 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2013/08/04/lin-dan-chong-wei-rivalry-is-good/ |title=Chong Wei-Lin Dan rivalry has improved badminton, says Jorgensen |author=Rajes Paul |work=The Star |date=4 August 2013 |access-date=12 July 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://sports.xin.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=5189199 |title=The greatest rivalries in sports [Lee Chong Wei vs. Lin Dan] |author1=Nicholas Chow |author2=Chris Aaron |publisher=MSN Sports |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924035338/http://sports.xin.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=5189199 |archive-date=24 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} Of their 40 meetings, Lin won the head-to-head by 28–12 but Lee Chong Wei was ranked World number one throughout both their careers consecutively for almost 10 years.

Lin has been in a relationship with Xie Xingfang, herself a former world champion, since 2003.{{cite news |date=14 December 2010 |script-title=zh:七年爱情长跑成正果 林丹谢杏芳演绎最浪漫的事 |language=zh |newspaper=Sohu |url=http://sports.sohu.com/20101214/n278298342.shtml |access-date=2 February 2011}} They were quietly engaged on 13 December 2010 in Haizhu, Guangzhou. Xie initially denied but later acknowledged romantic involvement with Lin, who reacted angrily at the public exposure of their relationship, citing reasons of personal privacy.{{cite news |date=15 December 2010 |script-title=zh:亲友爆料林丹已在筹备婚礼 计划将办三场婚宴 |language=zh |newspaper=sports.qq.com |url=http://sports.qq.com/a/20101215/000292.htm |access-date=2 February 2011}} The two were married on 23 September 2012 and the wedding ceremony was held at the Beijing University of Technology.{{cite web |last=Sachetat |first=Raphael |date=24 September 2012 |title=Lin Dan finally ties the knot |publisher=Badzine |url=http://www.badzine.net/news/lin-dan-finally-ties-the-knot/21246/ |access-date=21 October 2012}}

Lin had five tattoos visible during the 2012 Summer Olympics. His upper left arm has a Christian cross,{{cite news |date=6 August 2012 |script-title=zh:林丹左臂十字架纹身惹争议 带有十字架未必是基督徒 |language=zh |newspaper=Gospel Times |url=http://www.gospeltimes.cn/news/2012_08_06/21674.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017081001/http://www.gospeltimes.cn/news/2012_08_06/21674.htm |archive-date=17 October 2013}} his lower left arm has five stars, his right upper arm reads "until the end of world",{{cite news |date=28 May 2012 |script-title=zh:林丹新纹身源自<灌篮高手> 战斗"到世界尽头" |language=zh |newspaper=Sohu |url=http://sports.sohu.com/20120528/n344209861.shtml |access-date=6 August 2012}} a double "F" lettering on his lower right arm, and his initials "LD" are tattooed on the back of his neck.{{cite news |date=3 August 2012 |script-title=zh:林丹10大瞬间：鱼跃救球赢喝彩 五星纹身惹人眼 |language=zh |newspaper=Yahoo China |url=http://sports.cn.yahoo.com/ypen/20120803/1223988_2.html |url-status=dead |access-date=7 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105121348/http://sports.cn.yahoo.com/ypen/20120803/1223988_2.html |archive-date=5 January 2013}} These tattoos have been the subject of controversy due to his military and religious status.{{cite news |date=6 August 2012 |title=Lin Dan get criticized "Can professional army man get tattooed?" |language=zh |newspaper=21CN Sports |url=http://sports.21cn.com/2012/china/badminton/2012/08/06/12577227.shtml |url-status=dead |access-date=22 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226175442/http://sports.21cn.com/2012/china/badminton/2012/08/06/12577227.shtml |archive-date=26 December 2014}}

On 17 October 2012, he became the first active Chinese badminton player to accept a master's degree, which was presented at Huaqiao University.{{cite news |last=Wei |first=Wang |date=18 October 2012 |title=Super Dan Becomes China's 1st Active Badminton Player with a Master's Degree |newspaper=CRI |url=http://english.cri.cn/8046/2012/10/18/2361s727938.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102171841/http://english.cri.cn/8046/2012/10/18/2361s727938.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=21 October 2012}} His autobiography, Until the End of the World, was published after he successfully defended his Olympic title at the London 2012 Olympics.{{cite news |date=6 August 2012 |title=Publication of Lin Dan's autobiography "Until the End of the World" |newspaper=人民网 |url=http://sports.people.com.cn/n/2012/0806/c22176-18679178.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101160821/http://sports.people.com.cn/n/2012/0806/c22176-18679178.html |archive-date=1 January 2013}}

He and his wife Xie Xingfang had their first child "Xiao Yu" (Little feather) on 5 November 2016.{{cite news |date=5 September 2016 |title=Super Dan becomes super dad: wife of China badminton star Lin Dan gives birth to baby boy |url=http://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2043323/super-dan-becomes-super-dad-wife-china-badminton-star-lin-dan-gives-birth-fang}} On 17 November 2016, he admitted to an affair and apologised on Weibo. Social media users had purportedly identified the woman as actress and model Zhao Yaqi.{{cite news |date=17 November 2016 |title=China's Lin Dan: Badminton star's affair shocks fans |publisher=BBC |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-38012021 |accessdate=18 November 2016}}

Lin won the Eddie Choong Player of the Year award for two consecutive years in 2006 and 2007.{{cite web |title=Eddie Choong Player of the Year Award |url=http://bwfbadminton.org/file_download.aspx?id=34931 |publisher=BWF |access-date=18 December 2011}} {{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He also secured the BWF Best Male Player of the Year in 2008.{{cite web |title=Male/Female Player of the Year Award |url=http://bwfbadminton.org/file_download.aspx?id=22554 |publisher=BWF |access-date=18 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906211935/http://bwfbadminton.org/file_download.aspx?id=22554 |archive-date=6 September 2013 |url-status=dead}} Lin was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.{{cite news |title='Super Dan' wins MVP samsung award |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2010-11/27/content_11617779.htm |access-date=2 February 2011 |newspaper=China Daily |date=27 November 2010}}

On 16 January 2011, he was named China's best male athlete for 2010 in China Central Television's Sports Personality of the Year poll for his clean sweep in major badminton titles.{{cite web |title=Lin Dan, Wang Meng win China's CCTV Sports Personality of the Year |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-01/17/c_13693383.htm |access-date=2 February 2011 |publisher=Xinhua |date=17 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120095534/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-01/17/c_13693383.htm |archive-date=20 January 2011}}

On 26 May 2023, Lin was inducted into the BWF's Hall of Fame along with long-time rival, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=BWF Hall of Fame Inductees 2023 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cru8IEHSaFP/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=bwfbadminton.com |language=en-US}}{{Primary source inline|date=May 2023}}

Weibo is the main social media platform which Lin is using to post and update his latest status as well as communicate with his fans or friends. Lin uses his name '林丹' as the name of the account. In February 2018, the latest number of his followers on Weibo has achieved 3.7 million.{{cite web |title=林丹 |url=https://www.weibo.com/lindan?is_hot=1 |website=Weibo |access-date=7 March 2018}} Additionally, Lin's fan group has set an exclusive account called '林丹全国球迷会' on Weibo to update Lin's latest status, post his pictures and results of matches.{{cite web |title=林丹全国球迷会 |url=https://www.weibo.com/lindanfans?is_hot=1 |website=Weibo |access-date=7 March 2018}}

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Boys' singles

Boys' singles

Boys' doubles

The BWF World Tour, which was announced on 19 March 2017 and implemented in 2018,{{cite web |last=Alleyne |first=Gayle |title=BWF Launches New Events Structure |url=http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=19 March 2017 |access-date=29 November 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201164159/http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |archive-date=1 December 2017}} is a series of elite badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The BWF World Tours are divided into levels of World Tour Finals, Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300 (part of the HSBC World Tour), and the BWF Tour Super 100.{{cite web |last=Sukumar |first=Dev |title=Action-Packed Season Ahead! |url=http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=10 January 2018 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113162925/http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |archive-date=13 January 2018}}

Men's singles

The BWF Superseries, which was launched on 14 December 2006 and implemented in 2007,{{cite web |title=BWF Launches Super Series |url=http://www.badminton.org.au/index.php?id=22&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=136&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2&cHash=26fb36d8a5 |publisher=Badminton Australia |date=15 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006123828/http://www.badminton.org.au/index.php?id=22&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=136&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2&cHash=26fb36d8a5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 October 2007}} was a series of elite badminton tournaments, sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). BWF Superseries levels were Superseries and Superseries Premier. A season of Superseries consisted of twelve tournaments around the world that had been introduced since 2011.{{cite web |title=Yonex All England Elevated To BWF Premier Super Series Event |url=http://www.ibadmintonstore.com/iBADMINTONstore-News/Yonex-All-England-Elevated-To-BWF-Premier-Super-Se.aspx |publisher=IBadmintonstore |access-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002005757/http://www.ibadmintonstore.com/iBADMINTONstore-News/Yonex-All-England-Elevated-To-BWF-Premier-Super-Se.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 October 2013}} Successful players were invited to the Superseries Finals, which were held at the end of each year.

Men's singles

: {{Color box|#B0C4DE|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries Finals tournament

: {{Color box|#DAA520|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries Premier tournament

: {{Color box|#FFFFCC|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries tournament

The BWF Grand Prix had two levels, the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Gold. It was a series of badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and played between 2007 and 2017. The World Badminton Grand Prix was sanctioned by the International Badminton Federation from 1983 to 2006.

Men's singles

:{{Color box|#FFFF67|border=darkgray}} BWF Grand Prix Gold tournament

:{{Color box|#D4F1C5|border=darkgray}} BWF & IBF Grand Prix tournament

Men's singles

Men's doubles

{{Performance key (badminton)}}

This table is current through 2020 All England Open.

* : Means Lin Dan gave a walkover at his last round of this tournament (Lost the match and didn't count into the number of loss)

Notes

• ^{{{note label|BWF Super Series Finals|1|1}}} BWF Super Series Finals was held from 2008 to 2017, when BWF World Tour Finals replaced it.

In 2006, Lin created a record by winning 34 matches in a row.{{cite web |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/player/50906/lin-dan/tournament-results/?year=2006 |access-date=25 November 2019 |title=Tournament results |publisher=BWF}}http://www.sport.gov.mo/uploads/wizdownload/201101/5833_u6luw.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}

Record against Year-end Finals finalists, World Championships semi-finalists, and Olympic quarter-finalists.

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