Top five youngest medallists in Badminton in Paris Olympics 2024

Most of the shuttlers are ranging from 20 to 24 years old.

Badminton in Paris Olympics 2024 have concluded, leaving badminton fans with a wealth of exciting moments and unexpected outcomes. This year’s games showed a remarkable trend: the rise of young talent in the sport. As the dust settles on the badminton courts, a striking pattern has emerged – many of the medal winners are in their early twenties, challenging the notion that experience is crucial for Olympic success.

This article highlights the five youngest badminton medalists at the Paris Olympics, ranging from 20 to 24 years old. These athletes, hailing from countries such as China, South Korea, Thailand, have not only secured medals but also shown skills and composure beyond their years.

5. Wang Chang (23 years, 90 days)

Chinese badminton duo Wang Chang and Liang Weikeng made a strong impact at the Paris Olympics in the Men’s Doubles category. The 23-year-olds won all three of their group stage matches, dropping just one set and winning two matches in straight sets.

In the quarter-finals, they defeated Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in straight sets. The semi-final was a tough contest against 2022 World Champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, but the Chinese pair won 2-1 to advance to the Gold Medal match.

In the final, Wang and Liang faced Chinese Taipei’s Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin. The match was closely contested, with the Chinese pair narrowly losing the third set 21-19, earning them the silver medal. At 23 years and 90 days old, Wang Chang secured his first Olympic silver medal.

Also read: Badminton medallist in Olympics

4. Kunvalut Vitidsarn (23 years, 86 days)

Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the 2023 World Champion, continued his impressive rise in badminton at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 23-year-old topped his group with ease and faced Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in the Round of 16. After losing the first set, Kunlavut bounced back to win the next two sets, advancing to the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, he dominated China’s Shi Yuqi, winning in straight sets. He then faced Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the semi-finals, where he secured another straight-sets victory to reach the final.

In the final, Kunlavut was defeated by Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. Despite the loss, Kunlavut won the silver medal at just 23 years and 86 days old

3. An Se-young (22 years, 182 days)

An Se-young, at just 22 years old, delivered a remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, creating a memorable Olympic story. The South Korean shuttler breezed through the group stages, winning both of her matches to reach the quarter-finals.

In the quarter-finals, she faced Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, a two-time World Champion. After losing the first set, An Se-young fought back to win the next two sets, advancing to the semi-finals. There, she lost the first set again, this time to Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung, but made another strong comeback to reach the gold medal match.

In the final, An Se-young defeated China’s He Bingjao in straight sets, securing the gold medal at 22 years and 182 days old.

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, proved that age is just a number. Despite their youth, the duo dominated their opponents, winning all three of their group matches and dropping only one set.

In the quarter-finals, they defeated the South Korean pair Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na. They continued their strong performance in the semi-finals, winning in straight sets against Japan’s Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.

In the gold medal match, they faced the experienced Chinese duo Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, who had previously won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tai Ning and Lia Shengshu were defeated in straight sets, but their impressive run earned them the silver medal. Tai Ning secured this achievement at just 21 years and 122 days old.

1. Lia Shengshu (20 years, 117 days)

Lia Shengshu, despite her young age, made a big impact at the Paris Olympics 2024 in badminton. After winning the World Junior Badminton Championship in both girls’ doubles and mixed doubles in 2022, she quickly adapted to the senior level. She teamed up with fellow young shuttler Tai Ning in 2023, and the duo quickly became a formidable pair.

Lia’s speed and agility on the court, combined with her strong chemistry with Ning, allowed them to defeat most of their opponents with ease. Although they fell short in the gold medal match against a more experienced Chinese doubles team, Lia Shengshu earned a silver medal at just 20 years and 117 days old.

With a bright future ahead, Lia will undoubtedly aim for gold at the 2028 Olympics, when she will still be only 24 years old.

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