The Badminton World Federation inducted Lee Chong Wei into its Hall of Fame on 2 May 2023, cementing his standing as a dominant figure in the sport. Born in 1982 in Bagan Serai, Malaysia, Lee spent 349 weeks ranked as the world number one singles player, marking a record that spans his extensive professional career.
Early Development and National Entry
Born to Lee Ah Chai and Khor Kim Choi, Lee initially showed interest in basketball. His mother discouraged this due to the heat of outdoor courts, leading him to begin badminton training at age 11. Local coach Teh Peng Huat mentored him after school before Misbun Sidek identified his potential, facilitating his entry into the national squad in 2000 at age 17.
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Lee secured his first major victories in 2004, winning the Malaysia Open and the Chinese Taipei Open. Between 2008 and 2012, he maintained a continuous 199-week streak as the world's top-ranked player. He holds the record for the longest total time at the number one position in the history of official badminton rankings.
Olympic and International Competition
Lee became the most successful Malaysian Olympian, earning silver medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016. His 2008 performance marked the first time a Malaysian reached the men's singles final at the Olympic Games. He also claimed two gold medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and secured numerous Super Series titles throughout his career, despite intermittent challenges with injuries to his knees.
Retirement and Legacy
Following a diagnosis of nose cancer, Lee announced his retirement from professional badminton on 13 June 2019. Beyond his playing career, he served as Malaysia's chef de mission for the 2020 Summer Olympics, performing the role virtually due to health considerations. He is the sixth Malaysian to win an Olympic medal and remains one of the most recognized athletes from his country.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Bagan Serai
- Citizenship: Malaysia
- Record Ranking Streak: 199 weeks (2008–2012)
- Olympic Medals: 3 silver
- Retirement Date: 13 June 2019
- BWF Hall of Fame Induction: 2023
- Languages spoken: English, Malay, Southern Min, Malaysian Mandarin
Questions readers ask
How many weeks was Lee Chong Wei ranked world number one?
He was ranked number one worldwide for a record 349 weeks.
What major health event led to his retirement?
He retired in 2019 after struggling to return to fitness following a nose cancer diagnosis.
Achievements
- Olympic silver medal — 2012
- Badminton Hall of Fame — 2023
- Worked as badminton player and Olympic competitor
