12 Facts About Zhang Ning

Zhang Ning won the Olympic gold medal twice for women's singles in both 2004 and 2008.

Zhang Ning has played badminton on the world scene since the mid-1990s and has been particularly successful since 2002 while in her late twenties and early thirties, relatively late for singles at the highest level, and especially for top players in the Chinese system who are developed very early.

Zhang Ning is known for her consistency of shot, deception and constant pressure, dictating the pace of rallies and working her opponents in all four corners of the court.

Zhang Ning is the only female player to win consecutive Olympic singles gold medals.

Zhang Ning became World champion in 2003 and has a total of five medals of all colours in the competition.

In 2006, Zhang Ning reached the finals of the World Championships yet again, but she was still unable to defeat Xingfang.

Zhang Ning reached the semi-finals of the French Open, but was upset by local hope Pi Hongyan.

Zhang Ning cited injury and fatigue as the main reasons for her loss.

Zhang Ning was seen coaching her younger teammates in the tournament as well.

Zhang Ning became the first badminton player to ever defend an Olympic singles title even though many questioned her ability to do so at the age of 33.

Zhang Ning was additionally chosen to represent China as the flag bearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.

Zhang Ning was in tears receiving an award during the ceremony to mark her retirement with five other teammates from the Chinese national badminton team on the sidelines of the China Open badminton event in Shanghai, November 23,2008.