The men's doubles Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games marked a career-defining peak for Rexy Ronald Mainaky. Alongside his long-term partner Ricky Subagja, he dominated the international circuit during the 1990s, securing over thirty titles and establishing a reputation for explosive power and court coverage that defined a decade of professional badminton competition.
Dominance with Ricky Subagja
Born on 9 March 1968 in Ternate Island, Mainaky formed a partnership with Ricky Subagja that became the most successful pairing of the 1990s. The duo claimed consecutive All-England Championships in 1995 and 1996 and secured the 1995 IBF World Championships held in Lausanne, Switzerland. Their collaboration also saw consistent success in the World Badminton Grand Prix and the Badminton World Cup, with victories spanning 1992 through 1997. They further captured gold at the 1994 and 1998 Asian Games.
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Beyond his success in men's doubles, Mainaky was a pivotal member of the Indonesian Thomas Cup teams. He contributed to consecutive world champion squad victories in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000. In 2000, he claimed the Asian Badminton Championships title partnering with Tony Gunawan. Despite these successes, the Olympic stage proved varied; while he succeeded in 1996, his campaigns at the 1992 and 2000 Olympics ended in the quarterfinals.
Transition to Coaching
Following his competitive career, Mainaky turned to coaching, influencing players across multiple nations. He guided the English pair Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson to a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and world championship titles. His tenure at the Badminton Association of Malaysia included coaching Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong to a 2006 Asian Games gold medal. Later roles included head coach for the Philippines Badminton Association and high-performance director for Indonesia. In 2017, he joined the Thailand Badminton Association, leading their women's team to their first Uber Cup final in 2018.
Recognition and Legacy
Mainaky was inducted into the Badminton Hall of Fame in 2009. His involvement in the sport continues as he maintains a presence in coaching leadership. As of October 2021, he held the position of deputy coaching director for the Badminton Association of Malaysia. His background is shared with four of his siblings, Richard, Marleve, Rionny, and Karel, who were also part of the Indonesian national shuttling team during the 1990s.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 March 1968, Ternate Island
- Olympic Gold Medal: 1996 Atlanta
- World Champion: 1995
- Badminton Hall of Fame Induction: 2009
- Citizenship: Indonesia
- Primary Sport: Badminton
- Known Partners: Ricky Subagja, Tony Gunawan
Questions readers ask
Did Rexy Mainaky win medals at the Asian Games?
Yes, he was an Asian Games champion in the men's doubles category, winning titles in 1994 and 1998.
Which countries has Mainaky coached?
He has held coaching and leadership roles with the national associations of England, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.
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