- I have invested everything in the sport I love. My family, my coaches, teammates and fans have followed me through both happy and difficult moments, said Lin Dan in a statement to Chinese media in connection with the message
- I'm 37 years old now and my physical form no longer allows me to fight side by side with my teammates.
Just a year ago, his main competitor, Malaysian Lee Chong Wei, announced that he is leaving. They have both dominated the sport for the past decade.
Lin Dan will thus not compete in next year's Olympics.