Gao Ling

Gao Ling counts as one of the top doubles players of the first decade of the 21st century. Débuting in the Chinese national team in 1997 after winning a junior world title, she has won every title available in the sport. At the Olympics, she won back-to-back mixed doubles titles (2000, 2004), both times partnering Zhang Jun. She was only slightly less successful in the women’s doubles, finishing third in 2000 (with Qin Yiyuan) and second in 2004 (with Huang Sui), both times losing to a fellow Chinese double. Hoping for a final gold at the home Olympics in Beijing, the second-seeded Ling and her new mix partner Zheng Bo were upset in the first round by the British couple Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson. Gao has also earned four world titles, winning the women’s doubles in 2001, 2003 and 2006 (all with Huang), while winning the mixed doubles in 2001 with Zhang. Additionally, she has won four silver and one bronze medals. With the dominant Chinese team, Gao also earned numerous team titles, including five consecutive Uber Cups (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008) and three Sudirman Cups (2001, 2005, 2007). With a total of 11 wins (6 in women’s doubles, 5 in mixed), Ling is also one of the most successful female doubles players at the All-England Championships, with only Betty Uber (namegiver of the Uber Cup) having won more. In 2009, she played her last tournament, shortly before getting married.