Births on January 24

Li Xuerui, Chinese badminton player

Li Xuerui, born on 24 January 1991, stands as one of China's most illustrious and dominant professional badminton players in the sport's modern era. Though now retired, her remarkable career is distinguished by a multitude of high-profile victories and an extended period at the pinnacle of women's singles badminton, cementing her legacy as a true legend of the court.

A Golden Era: Olympic Glory and World Championship Consistency

A defining moment in Li Xuerui's career came at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where she captured the gold medal in the highly coveted women's singles event. This triumph was particularly significant as she overcame her compatriot and then-world No. 1, Wang Yihan, in a thrilling all-Chinese final, showcasing her exceptional skill, composure, and mental fortitude on the biggest stage in sports. Her Olympic gold medal is a testament to her unparalleled peak performance.

Following her Olympic success, Li Xuerui continued to demonstrate her consistency and competitive spirit at the prestigious Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships. She notably secured silver medals in two consecutive editions: the 2013 BWF World Championships, where she was defeated by Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in a tightly contested final, and again at the 2014 BWF World Championships, where she lost to Spain's emerging star, Carolina Marin. Her repeated appearances in major finals underscored her consistent presence among the world's elite.

Unrivalled Dominance: Superseries Success and World No. 1 Reign

Li Xuerui's career was also marked by an astounding number of titles on the BWF Superseries circuit, which represented the highest tier of annual badminton tournaments before the introduction of the BWF World Tour. She amassed an impressive fourteen Superseries titles, a formidable achievement that truly highlighted her consistent excellence against top-tier competition globally. This remarkable tally solidified her position as China's second most successful female player in the Superseries era, trailing only her formidable contemporary, Wang Yihan.

Her sustained period of dominance was further evidenced by her extraordinary reign as the women's singles world No. 1. Li Xuerui held the top ranking for an astounding 124 consecutive weeks, a testament to her unparalleled consistency, superior performance, and unmatched skill during her prime. This lengthy period at the summit of the sport firmly established her as one of the most dominant athletes in badminton history.

Education and Career Conclusion

Beyond her on-court achievements, Li Xuerui also pursued academic excellence, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Huaqiao University. This demonstrates her commitment to holistic development, balancing the demands of elite professional sports with higher education.

Li Xuerui officially announced her retirement from professional badminton in October 2019. Her decision was largely influenced by a severe ACL injury sustained during the bronze medal match at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite undergoing extensive rehabilitation and attempting a comeback, the injury significantly impacted her ability to return to her previous peak performance level, leading to her eventual retirement. Her remarkable career, however, leaves an indelible mark on the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Li Xuerui

What were Li Xuerui's most significant career achievements?

Li Xuerui's most significant achievements include winning the gold medal in women's singles at the 2012 London Olympics, securing silver medals at the 2013 and 2014 BWF World Championships, and capturing fourteen BWF Superseries titles. She also held the world No. 1 ranking for 124 consecutive weeks.

When did Li Xuerui retire from professional badminton and why?

Li Xuerui officially retired in October 2019. Her retirement was primarily due to the lasting effects of a severe ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury she suffered during the 2016 Rio Olympics, which prevented her from regaining her peak competitive form.

How long was Li Xuerui ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles?

Li Xuerui maintained the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles for an impressive 124 consecutive weeks, showcasing her prolonged dominance at the top of the sport.

What is a BWF Superseries title?

The BWF Superseries was a series of top-tier badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) from 2007 to 2017, considered the highest level of competition outside of major championships like the Olympics and World Championships. Winning a Superseries title signified a player's consistent excellence against the world's best.