Li Yongbo once vowed to produce 100 world champions, but 24 years later, he was only eight places short of that goal. However, at the peak of his career, he chose to retire. So, what kind of life has the former badminton star chosen now?
Born in Liaoning in 1962, Li Yongbo did not have a wealthy childhood, but he showed amazing athletic talent. In 1978, he officially stepped into badminton and began his badminton career. In the national team, he formed a doubles team partnership with Tian Bingyi, defeating strong opponents along the way, winning the men's doubles championship at the World Championships and winning a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
But Li Yongbo is not only a good athlete, he is also an outstanding coach. Under his coaching, the Chinese badminton team has achieved brilliant results again and again, including ten Sudirman Cups, ten Uber Cups, and five Thomas Cup champions. Under his training, world-class players such as Lin Dan have emerged one after another.
However, parallel to success is controversy. At the 2012 London Olympics, Li Yongbo became the focus of public attention due to the player's conceding incident. In addition, the controversy over the prize money and the issue of his son's joining the team have also become the focus of many criticisms. The controversy seemed to set the stage for his retirement in 2017.
After retiring, Li Yongbo chose an unexpected life path - to grow durian in Malaysia. Despite several high-paying offers to try to bring him back to the badminton scene, he seems to have decided to start his second life.
As a public figure, Li Yongbo has undoubtedly made great contributions to Chinese badminton, but also suffered various controversies. But it is undeniable that the 92 world champions he has cultivated for the country is already a magnificent achievement that no one can match.
I hope that Li Yongbo can find the life he really pursues in Malaysia, enjoy the land he loves, and live the life he really wants.
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