The Paris Olympics 2024 badminton events have wrapped up, thrilling fans with dramatic moments and surprising results. This year’s tournament revealed a significant trend: a surge of young players making their mark. As the competition ends, a notable pattern has surfaced many medalists are in their early twenties, challenging the belief that experience is essential for Olympic glory.
This article spotlights the 5 youngest badminton medalists from the Paris Games, aged between 20 and 24.
5. Wang Chang – 23 years, 90 days
Chinese badminton players Wang Chang and Liang Weikeng made a notable impact at the Paris Olympics in Men’s Doubles. The 23-year-olds won all three of their group stage matches, losing only one set and securing two straight-set victories.
In the quarter-finals, they defeated Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in straight sets. They then overcame 2022 World Champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 2-1 in a tough semi-final to reach the Gold Medal match.
In the final, Wang and Liang faced Chinese Taipei’s Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin. The match was closely fought, with the Chinese duo narrowly losing the third set 21-19, earning them the silver medal. At 23 years and 90 days old, Wang Chang earned his first Olympic silver medal.
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4. Kunvalut Vitidsarn – 23 years, 86 days
Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the 2023 World Champion, continued his strong performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old easily topped his group and, in the Round of 16, overcame Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto after losing the first set.
In the quarter-finals, Kunlavut defeated China’s Shi Yuqi in straight sets. He then beat Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, also in straight sets, to advance to the final.
In the final, Kunlavut lost to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen but still earned the silver medal at just 23 years and 86 days old.
3. An Se-young – 22 years, 182 days
At just 22, An Se-young made a huge impact at the Paris Olympics 2024, crafting an unforgettable Olympic journey. The South Korean player won both of her group stage matches, advancing to the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, An Se-young faced Japan’s two-time World Champion, Akane Yamaguchi. After dropping the first set, she came back to win the next two and move on to the semi-finals. There, she lost the first set to Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung but rallied to reach the final.
In the gold medal match, An Se-young defeated China’s He Bingjao in straight sets, winning the gold at 22 years and 182 days old.
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2. Tai Ning – 21 years, 122 days
Tai Ning, one of the youngest badminton players at the Paris Olympics 2024, and her partner Lia Shengshu, demonstrated that youth is no barrier to success. The pair excelled throughout the tournament, winning all three group matches and losing only one set.
In the quarter-finals, they triumphed over South Korea’s Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na. They continued their winning streak in the semi-finals with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.
Though they lost in straight sets to the seasoned Chinese duo Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan in the gold medal match, Tai Ning and Lia Shengshu’s performance earned them the silver medal. Tai Ning achieved this at just 21 years and 122 days old.
1. Lia Shengshu – 20 years, 117 days
Despite her youth, Lia Shengshu made a significant impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics in badminton. After winning the World Junior Badminton Championship in girls’ doubles and mixed doubles in 2022, she quickly transitioned to the senior level. In 2023, she formed a strong partnership with fellow young player Tai Ning.
Lia’s speed and agility, along with her excellent teamwork with Ning, helped them easily defeat most opponents. Although they lost the gold medal match to a more experienced Chinese team, Lia secured a silver medal at just 20 years and 117 days old.
With a promising future, Lia is expected to pursue gold at the 2028 Olympics, where she will be just 24.
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