End of an Era in Badminton

The 2008 Beijing Olympics marks the end for many of the badminton players I've known since I started playing badminton in 2004.  It's sad that I won't be seeing them in tournaments anymore.

Zhang Ning. She's been around since 1996 (from what I've read) when she was beaten in the 1996 Uber Cup by then 16 year old Mia Audina. You could say she's a late bloomer, only rising to the top at 28 years old after Gong Ruina, Gong Zhichao, Zhou Mi left. Her reign was also short but she made the most of it winning the 2003 World Championships, 2004 and 2008 olympics and many titles after the 2004 olympics.

Gao Ling. No official announcement has been made but it's likely that she will be retiring. She has won everything there is in badminton whether in the mixed doubles and women's doubles category. Truly a legend in badminton. Her mixed doubles partner Zhang Jun retired last year due to injuries. He got to be torch bearer in the Beijing Olympics for winning gold in mixed doubles twice with Gao Ling (2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens).

Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen. My favorite women's doubles team. Yang Wei actually partnered Gao Ling in women's doubles in the 1996 World Junior Championships which they won. Yang and Zhang were olympic champions in Athens, also world champions, and won many titles together. There were briefly separated last year when Yang Wei was partnered with Zhao Ting Ting but were reunited for the Beijing Olympics. Too bad they were unable keep their title.

Xie Xing Fang. This one I'm not sure but she has been heard saying the drive to win is not there anymore as evidenced by her loss to Zhang Ning in the Beijing olympic final. All she wants to do is get married and cook for Lin Dan :)

Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah. My favorite men's doubles players have been around since 1995 but have not really won anything of note. They won the 2004 Malaysian Open, the Dutch Open, ABC, and have been runner up twice in the All England. Still they I like the way they look on court when playing and Lee Wan Wah's sooo handsome :D

I don't know anyone else retiring. Taufik is playing till the end of this year. I need to find new favorites to root for in the coming tournaments. So far, only Lee Yong Dae has caught my attention.