From Stephen Hufford,
Your Guide to Racquet Sports.
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There is an intense, extremely competitive version of badminton played throughout the world, and especially throughout Asia. It is as different from backyard badminton as it could be. The players are among the most elite, well-conditioned athletes in the world, vying for supremacy in an incredibly demanding sport - in fact, the fastest racquet sport in the world.

These aspiring badminton champions begin their training as young children. They devote their lives to badminton excellence. They arrange financial support and seek the very best coaching. And, finally, if successful, they get to represent their country in Olympic badminton.

This is definitely not your backyard badminton, and it's no picnic!

About Olympic Badminton: The rules are different, the courts are perfect, the birdies aren't made of plastic, and there are linesmen and umpires. Learn about the Olympic level of badminton competition!

• What is Olympic Badminton?
• Olympic Badminton Rules & Competition
• Learn to Play Badminton
• Your Road to the Olympic Badminton Team

Olympic Badminton History: Since it was introduced for medal play in 1992, only a few countries have truly excelled in Olympic badminton. The USA has not been a powerhouse, but our hosts in Beijing for 2008 have great prospects. (The US actually has more Olympic badminton controversies than it does medals!)

• An Illustrated History of Badminton
• Past Olympic Badminton Medalists
• Greatest Moments in Olympic Badminton History
• Biggest Controversies in Olympic Badminton History

Action Image Gallery: Here are some amazing images of top-flight badminton athletes at full stretch, full power, full focus, and in full defeat or victory.

• Top Mens Singles Competitors for Beijing Olympics
• Top Womens Singles Competitors for Beijing Olympics
• Top Mixed Doubles Teams for Beijing Olympics

Where Are They Now? Former badminton champions move on to new endeavors. Some begin to coach, some marry other champions, and some just keep playing doubles until their bodies wear out! Learn all about the Olympic badminton hall-of-famers:

• Where Are They Now?