China's dominant force in women's singles in the early 2010s — Olympic gold medallist at London 2012 and World Champion twice, known for her physical fitness and relentless baseline play that wore down even the most technically gifted opponents.
Li Xuerui was born in Zhongshan, China in 1992. She won the Olympic gold medal at London 2012 and the World Championship in 2011 and 2013 — becoming one of the most dominant women's singles players of the early 2010s. Her physical fitness, relentless baseline play and ability to outlast opponents in extended rallies were the defining characteristics of her game. She sustained a serious knee injury in 2016 that disrupted her career significantly. Before her injury she represented the peak of physical conditioning in women's badminton — setting an endurance and intensity standard that influenced training methods across the sport. She remained active in international competition after her recovery.
Olympic champion and two-time world champion in women's singles
How They Played
Aggressive attacking style with powerful smashes and strong net play
Lasting Impact
Dominant force in women's badminton, known for powerful attacking play
Olympic Gold 2012
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2012
- World Champion 2011, 2013
- Asian Games Gold 2014