Danish badminton legend Peter Gade is preparing for his last Olympic Games, marking the end of a distinguished, two-decade long international career. The 35-year-old former world number one exudes calm and steely determination, and it is clear he will not leave court without a fight.

"There is no doubt this is going to be my last Olympics. There is a lot of emotion, a lot of thoughts going on about that," Gade told Xinhua in a recent interview at Brøndby Stadium, southern Copenhagen.

After a strong 2011, Gade has struggled with an ankle injury in the past six months, and returned with disappointing performances at the All-England and India Opens. He booked a spot at the 2012 London Olympics thanks to his high, fifth-place rank (men's single) in the Badminton World Federation world ranking.

Although he is targeting a medal in London, he did not want to speculate about it given that a podium finish has eluded him in his prior appearances at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 summer games. "I want to focus on doing the best I can. How far I can take that, well, I have to wait and see," Gade said.

"For the moment, I am focusing on my daily practice. Things are moving in the right direction. We are getting closer (to the games) and I am going to enjoy my final Olympics, no matter what," he added.

Danish shuttlers have won medals at every summer games except the Beijing Olympics 2008, since badminton became an Olympic Sport in 1992.

Denmark will be represented by Gade and Jan Ø. Jørgensen in the men's singles event, which features a total 40 players. The country has also qualified in women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

GREAT RIVALRY

Gade has the unfortunate record of losing to the eventual winners of all three Olympics badminton tournaments he has played in. He reached the semi-finals of the Sydney games in 2000, where he was beaten by China's Ji Xinpeng; In the quarterfinals of the Athens games in 2004, he lost to Indonesia's Taufik Hidyat; He was beaten in straight sets by China's Lin Dan in the quarterfinals in Beijing.

"The Chinese have been able to control the top of badminton for many, many years because they are very good, and it is a tough challenge to keep up with their pace," Gade said, recalling his past matches against Chinese shuttlers.

"I am 35 years old, and they have new players coming forward. They have Lin Dan, maybe the greatest player of all time," he added.

Gade has played Lin Dan, the current world number one and defending Olympic champion, 19 times since their first match in 2002, with the Dane winning only three of those encounters. "I always enjoy playing against the Chinese. It is a big challenge but I enjoy it," Gade said. "I may lose to them a number of times, but on a good day, if everything goes my way, there is a chance of beating them. And I am going to go for that chance," he added.

Gade's contests with East Asian players have made him especially popular with Chinese fans and media, who admire his good sportsmanship and down-to-earth attitude.

Danes and Europeans cheer him for the same reasons, but also because he is the only non-Asian in the list of the world's top ten shuttlers, which is dominated by players from China, South Korea and Malaysia.

BOWING OUT

Gade topped the world men's rankings from 1998-2001, and his career includes an All-England title in 1999, five European Championship crowns, a silver and four bronze medals in World Cups, and 22 Super Series/Grand Prix titles.

Moreover, he was Danish National Champion 10 times between 2000 and 2011 and named IBF World Badminton Player of the Year 1998.

When asked about the secret to his longevity and success in the sport, Gade said, "I have big motivation, big determination to do well against my opponents."

"This is a tough sport, a tough category, and I always have the motivation to practice hard every day. I wouldn't be here if I hadn't been working real hard, every day, for so many years," he added.

His trademarks include a shot to the back of the court while drawing his opponent towards the net, and reverse forehand shots where the shuttlecock meets the racket at sharp angles. Experts praise his mental composure, tactical ability and team spirit as much as they admire his deft footwork, drop shots and fast attacks.

"Peter has been a wonderful ambassador for Danish sports and particularly badminton for so many years," said Jesper Frigast Larsen, Denmark's Head of Mission at the 2012 Olympics.

"This is his last Olympic games as an athlete, but I have a feeling Peter will continue in this sport as a trainer and coach, and hopefully be on the Olympic team in future in another capacity," he said to Xinhua.

Gade himself told Danish media late last year that coaching could be his new calling after the Olympics, and that he is interested in both national-level coaching and in developing new badminton talent. Whatever he does, the glorious memories of participating in the Olympics in the company of great athletes will remain with him.

"The Olympics are always very special ... I am with the rest of the Danish team and it is always special to be part of this team. I don't think that feeling is going to change. I will enjoy it and take what I can from this Olympics," Gade said.

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Article by Devapriyo Das, Yang Jingzhong (Xinhua); Photo by BadmintonPhoto