The first time I saw Bao was in 2005, the year when Thomas and Uber Cup was held. At that time he was playing against Li zongwei, who is also a good player from Malaysia. Bao beat him. To tell the truth, at first the reason why I liked him was just because I thought he was pretty.*(maybe it is not a suitable word, but I think no better word can describe him, he is really pretty!) From that time, I have focused on him. Then gradually, I found that he not only has good appearance, but also has a talent for badminton.

He is very tall, about 1.90 meters. He is the tallest one among all the players in the Chinese Badminton Team. In 2006, he is chosen as the flag holder¹ stands for China in the opening ceremony in the 15th Asian Games held in Doha. It was the first time that the badminton players were chosen to take over the special task, before which time, it belonged to the basketball players. It was a great honor². And it also proved that Bao was an excellent athlete. We are all proud of him.

He began to play badminton when he was at primary school. In 2000, he won his first good medal, which was significant³ to him, in Guangzhou. Because of that, he entered the Chinese Badminton Team. As he is as old as Lin dan, who is the top one in the world, he is always put into a situation which is not good to him. He seldom beats Lin dan, so he gained a name which is called’千年老二’. In fact, his techniques are comprehensive⁴, but he is lack of passion, the desire to win is not so strong. So he always has misplays. Due to this, he seldom wins the gold medal. I think this is related⁵ to his character. He is easygoing and couth; he looks as if he will never get angry with anybody. So this affects him while he is playing badminton. In a period of time, critical voice has come towards him. He is under great pressure. He was not in the best state. But recently he cheers up again. Several days ago, the Chinese Badminton Championship 2007 was held in Guangzhou. I went to see him on Saturday. I was very excited, and I shouted loudly, hoping he could hear me. There is no doubt that he won the game. Before he went away, he waved hand to us, how excited I was at that time! The next day, he beat Li zongwei again and he won the man’s single gold medal. All of us are very happy. After 7 years, which could be a long time for an athlete, he proved himself again in Guangzhou, which is considered as his lucky place.

I think this will be the energy of his advancing. And I hope he can keep this fighting will and win the gold medal in the 29th Olympic Games held in Beijing!

Best wishes!