A smash clocked at 332 km/h during the 2005 Sudirman Cup established Fu Haifeng as a formidable force on the international badminton circuit. Born in Huilai County in 1984, the Chinese athlete emerged as one of the most successful men’s doubles players in the history of the sport, characterized by unmatched power and technical precision.
Dominance with Cai Yun
Fu Haifeng formed a highly effective partnership with Cai Yun, combining his raw power with Cai’s speed. Together, they secured victory at the All England Open in 2005 and 2009. Their collective efforts were instrumental in China winning five consecutive Thomas Cup titles between 2004 and 2012, alongside six consecutive Sudirman Cup victories spanning from 2005 to 2015. The pair competed in three Olympic Games together, starting in 2004, and claimed the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics by defeating Denmark's Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen.
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Fu reached the pinnacle of international competition by securing four BWF World Championship titles. His victories occurred in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Notably, his 2010 win in Paris made him and Cai the first men's doubles pair to win the world title three times. During that 2010 tournament, he fired a 303 km/h smash in the final, which was confirmed as the fastest propulsion of the event.
Later Career and Olympic Legacy
In 2014, Fu began a new chapter in his career by partnering with Zhang Nan. The duo achieved success at the Denmark Open Super Series and later claimed the Singapore Open Super Series in 2016. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Fu secured his second career gold medal in the men's doubles category, defeating the Malaysian pair of Tan and Goh. This victory marked his third consecutive Olympic final, cementing his status as an elite competitor who excelled with different partners.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Huilai County
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Sport: Badminton
- Olympic Gold Medals: 2012, 2016
- World Champion: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Badminton Hall of Fame: 2021
- Fastest recorded smash: 332 km/h
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic Games did Fu Haifeng compete in?
He competed in four Olympic Games: 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016.
What is the primary distinction of Fu Haifeng's career?
He is recognized for winning four World Championship titles and two Olympic gold medals with two different partners.
Achievements
- Badminton Hall of Fame
- world champion
- Olympic silver medal
- Asian champion
- national champion
- Olympic gold medal
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
