Olympic Badminton Records: Top 5 Incredible Feats That Made History

Badminton has long been a thrilling part of the Olympic Games, blending explosive power, lightning reflexes, and strategic finesse. Over the decades, the sport has delivered jaw-dropping moments—from lightning-fast smashes to marathon rallies that tested every ounce of stamina and skill. In this article, we highlight the Top 5 Olympic badminton records of all time—moments that etched history and showcased the athletic greatness of players like Gao Ling, Greysia Polii, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Whether you’re a badminton fan or a sports history enthusiast, these records will leave you amazed.
From the fastest Olympic badminton smash to the longest rally ever recorded, each milestone reflects the sport’s electrifying pace and unmatched intensity.

These Olympic badminton records not only broke boundaries but also inspired millions across the globe.
Let’s relive these historic feats that have forever raised the bar for Olympic badminton.

5. Oldest Olympic Badminton Medallist – Greysia Polii (Indonesia)

Winning gold at age 33, Greysia Polii of Indonesia became the oldest badminton gold medalist in Olympic history. Her Tokyo 2020 victory with partner Apriyani Rahayu was a moment of experience triumphing over youth.

Achievement: Won women’s doubles gold alongside Apriyani Rahayu—oldest gold medallist in badminton history

4. Youngest Olympic Badminton Competitor – An Seyoung (South Korea)

At just 19 years old, An Seyoung represented South Korea in Tokyo 2020, making her the youngest competitor in Olympic badminton at the time. Her performance marked the rise of a new generation of elite badminton talent.

Age: 19 at Tokyo 2020

Note: She was the youngest competitor in Olympic badminton that year, showcasing the rise of a new generation of talent

3. Fastest Smash by an Olympian – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (India)

India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy delivered a 500 km/h smash during the Tokyo 2020 men’s doubles event, setting the record for the fastest smash in Olympic badminton history. The blistering shot reflects the sport’s explosive evolution on the global stage.

Speed: 500 km/h during 2020 Tokyo Games (men’s doubles)

Context: While not the absolute fastest smash ever, this remains the fastest recorded in Olympic play

2. Longest Rally at Olympics – 101 Shots

During the Tokyo 2020 women’s doubles quarterfinal, Indonesia’s Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu battled China’s Du Yue and Li Yinhui in a legendary 101-shot rally. It became the longest rally ever recorded in Olympic badminton, highlighting extreme precision and endurance.

Event: Women’s Doubles Quarterfinal, Tokyo 2020

Teams: Greysia Polii & Apriyani Rahayu (Indonesia) vs. Du Yue & Li Yinhui (China)

Record: The longest rally in Olympic badminton history, lasting 101 shots in Game 3

1. Most Olympic Badminton Medals – Gao Ling (China)

Gao Ling holds the record for the most Olympic badminton medals, earning four across the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Games. With two golds, one silver, and one bronze, she remains the most decorated player in Olympic badminton history.

Medal Count: 4 – 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronzes

Details: Achieved across Sydney 2000 (gold & silver) and Athens 2004 (gold & bronze), making her the all-time leader in Olympic badminton medals

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. Who has won the most Olympic badminton medals?

Gao Ling of China holds the record with 4 Olympic badminton medals—1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze.

Q2. What is the longest rally ever recorded in Olympic badminton?

The longest Olympic rally lasted 101 shots, during the women’s doubles quarterfinal at Tokyo 2020.

Q3. Who hit the fastest smash in Olympic badminton history?

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy of India delivered a 500 km/h smash at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—the fastest ever recorded during the Games.

Q4. Who is the youngest Olympic badminton player?

An Seyoung of South Korea was only 19 years old when she competed at Tokyo 2020.

Q5. Who is the oldest Olympic badminton medalist?

Greysia Polii of Indonesia won gold at age 33 during Tokyo 2020, becoming the oldest Olympic badminton gold medalist.