Badminton is one of the most popular racquet sports in the United States, and many talented players have come from the US to compete on the international stage. From Olympic medalists to national champions, the US has produced some of the top badminton players in the world.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best badminton players in the United States of America. We will discuss their achievements, their styles of play, and why they are considered to be among the best badminton players in the US.
1. Beiwen Zhang
Beiwen Zhang is a professional badminton player who was born in China and is now based in the United States. She specializes in singles play, meaning she does not compete in doubles matches. She has achieved success in international tournaments, including the U.S.
Open and the French Open. She is currently ranked in the top 30 in the world in women’s singles. Beiwen is known for her attacking style of play, which involves quickly moving to the front of the court to attack her opponents with powerful smashes.
She has a strong defensive game as well, and is able to quickly transition from defense to offense. She is also a great competitor, often pushing her opponents to the limit. Beiwen is an inspiration to aspiring badminton players from all over the world.
She has shown that hard work and dedication can take a person from any background to the top of the world rankings. She is a true testament to all that a person can achieve with hard work and perseverance.
2. Howard Shu
Howard Shu is an American badminton player who began playing the sport at the age of 8. His father, who was an avid badminton player in Taiwan, had a great influence on Shu’s development in the sport and encouraged him to join him in the local badminton clubs.
His father entered him into the Junior Nationals, which laid the foundations for his future in the sport. Shu eventually went on to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a great achievement for his career.
This goes to show that with dedication and determination, anyone can reach the highest levels of success.
3. Iris Wang
Iris Wang is a professional badminton player from the United States. She has achieved great success in the sport, reaching the pinnacle by competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
This was the first time that she had the chance to compete at the Olympic level, and she was one of only two Americans to compete in badminton that year. Wang was born and raised in the US and has been playing badminton since she was a young girl.
She has trained hard and has become one of the most respected badminton players in the country. She has won numerous tournaments and competitions over the years, including the US Open Badminton Championships in 2014.
Her hard work and dedication paid off when she was selected to represent the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 2016 Olympics were a special moment for Wang, as she competed in the singles and doubles events.
She showed great determination and skill in her matches, and although she did not win any medals, her performance was highly praised by the media and the badminton community.
Wang’s appearance at the Olympics was a great achievement, and she is now seen as a role model for aspiring badminton players in the United States.
4. Margaret Varner Bloss
Margaret Varner Bloss is a well-known retired athlete and professor of physical education from El Paso, Texas. She was an exceptional athlete and made a name for herself in three different racket sports: badminton, squash, and tennis.
Bloss was born in El Paso, and she grew up playing badminton and squash. She excelled in both sports and eventually earned a scholarship to the University of Washington, where she competed in the sport of squash. Bloss was the first woman to win the U.S.
Open Squash Championships. She went on to win the U.S. Women’s Open Badminton Championship in 1971 and also won several titles in tennis. Bloss was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, the same year that she retired from competitive sport.
She became a professor of physical education at the University of Texas at El Paso and was a leader in the field of physical education. In addition to her work in physical education, Bloss has served as a coach and mentor for young athletes.
Throughout her athletic career, Margaret Varner Bloss has made an indelible mark on the sports world. Her accomplishments in three different racket sports have earned her recognition and respect, and she has also made a lasting impact on physical education.
5. Susan Devlin
Susan Devlin Peard is a remarkable woman who has enjoyed success in the sport of badminton. She is a former badminton player who has competed on the international stage, representing both the United States and Ireland. Her father, J.
Frank Devlin, was an Irish badminton great, and together with his family, he moved to the United States in the late 1930s. This was a defining moment in her life, as it provided her the opportunity to pursue her passion for badminton at a higher level.
Susan Devlin Peard has achieved a great deal in the sport of badminton. She has competed in international tournaments, securing wins for both the United States and Ireland. She was even ranked among the top ten in the world in the late 1970s.
Her success on the court has been attributed to the fact that she had a great role model in her father, who was an Irish badminton great. He instilled in her a strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, which she has carried with her throughout her career.
Susan Devlin Peard’s accomplishments in badminton are a testament to her hard work and determination. She has been able to break boundaries in the sport, representing both the United States and Ireland on the international stage.
Her father’s move to the United States in the late 1930s was a pivotal moment in her life and enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a successful badminton player. She is a true inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
6. Jamie Subandhi
Jamie Chen Subandhi is a highly talented American badminton player who competes in both the singles and mixed doubles categories. She is renowned for her impressive ability to play the game and is regularly partnered with Phillip Chew in mixed doubles competitions.
The pair has been particularly successful, having won gold in the mixed doubles category at the 2015 Pan American Games. Subandhi and Chew have a strong chemistry when they compete together, and this has been a big factor in their success.
Subandhi is also highly accomplished in singles competitions, and her impressive skill and commitment to badminton has seen her win many prestigious titles.
She is an inspirational figure for aspiring badminton players and has certainly established herself as one of the most talented American players in the sport.
7. Jennie Gai
Jennie Gai is an American badminton player who has achieved great success in international level events. She won gold at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and was a six-time champion at the Pan Am Junior Badminton Championships.
Gai was also selected to represent the United States at the 2016 BWF World Junior Championships. Her success in these events demonstrates her dedication to the sport of badminton and her ability to compete at the highest level.
Gai’s impressive record illustrates her determination to become the best badminton player she can be. Her commitment to the sport has earned her a great deal of respect in the badminton community.
Jennie Gai is an exemplary model for aspiring badminton players and is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off.
8. Annie Xu
Annie Xu is a professional badminton player from America who competes in top-level competitions. She has had considerable success in the sport, having won two Pan Am Junior championships and a bronze medal at the Summer Universiade.
Her twin sister Kerry Xu has also achieved notable success, winning the same bronze medal at the Summer Universiade alongside Annie. This shows that the two sisters have a strong bond and are both incredibly talented athletes.
9. Vinson Chiu
Vinson Chiu is a renowned badminton player from the United States. His career accomplishments include a silver medal in the men’s doubles at the 2022 Pan Am Championships, in partnership with Joshua Yuan.
Furthermore, at the 2016 Pan Am Junior Championships, Chiu won a silver and a bronze in the boys’ doubles and mixed doubles respectively. Currently, Chiu is playing mixed doubles with Jennie Gai.
His successful partnership with Gai is a testament to his skill and experience in the sport. Chiu’s impressive track record shows his dedication to badminton and his commitment to achieving excellence in the sport.
10. Francesca Corbett
Francesca Corbett is a professional badminton player who hails from Foster City, California. She is well known in the badminton community for her skill and determination.
Corbett has been playing badminton since she was a young girl, and she has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft. Her commitment has paid off, as she has achieved success in numerous tournaments.
She has competed in the US Open Badminton Championships, the BWF World Championships, and the Olympic Games. In addition to competing, she also gives back to the sport, providing coaching and mentorship to young, aspiring players.
Corbett is a role model for many in the badminton world, and her determination and dedication to the sport are an inspiration to all.
11. Clinton Stephens
Clinton Paulson Stephens was a talented American badminton player. He was born in the United States and rose to fame in the world of badminton.
He was known for his skill and dedication to the sport, as well as his commitment to excellence. Stephens was a fierce competitor on the court, and his passion for the game was evident in every match he played.
His prowess was such that he was able to win numerous championships, including the U.S. National Badminton Championship from 1989-1992.
He was also a three-time Pan American Games gold medalist, a two-time World Cup winner, and a two-time World Grand Prix gold medalist. In addition to his success in tournaments, Stephens was also an important figure in the development of the sport in the United States.
He was a founding member of the United States Badminton Association and was a key figure in the establishment of the World Badminton Federation.
He was also a driving force behind the development of USBA junior programs, which proved to be vital in the spread of the sport to younger generations. Stephens was a true badminton pioneer and a leader in the development of the sport.
He will always be remembered as a champion of badminton and as a symbol of excellence.
12. Rodney Barton
Rodney Barton accomplished an impressive feat in the sport of badminton when he became the U.S. National Men’s Champion for two consecutive years in 1983 and 1984. He was a student at Palo Alto High School, where he likely honed his skills as a badminton player.
He is also African-American, making him a trailblazer both in the sport of badminton and in the African American community. Badminton is a sport that is often overlooked, but Barton’s accomplishments are noteworthy and deserve to be celebrated.
He is an example of dedication and hard work, and his success in the sport of badminton has opened the door for other African Americans to pursue their dreams in the sport.
His accomplishments are a reminder that anyone can achieve greatness if they are determined and willing to put in the work.
Barton’s achievements are a source of pride for the African American community, as he is a living example of what is possible when one strives to reach their goals.
He is an inspiration to others, and his story serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success. Despite the obstacles that African Americans may face, Barton’s success is proof that it is possible to overcome those obstacles and achieve greatness.
13. Carlene Starkey
Carlene Starkey is a renowned badminton player who has made an impressive mark in the sport. She was a member of the American team that achieved a major victory in the Uber Cup in 1963.
This achievement was an incredible milestone for her and the sport of badminton in the US. Carlene is also married to another former badminton player, Rod Starkey. This couple has made a significant contribution to the world of badminton, inspiring future generations of players.
Carlene has received a great deal of recognition for her accomplishments in the sport. She was honored with induction into the Badminton Hall of Fame in 2018, for her outstanding achievements.
Her legacy of excellence in the sport of badminton will continue to inspire future generations of badminton players.
14. Linda French
Linda French is an accomplished American badminton player. She had an impressive run at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, competing in both women’s singles and doubles.
Her impressive Olympic performance was followed up with another strong showing at the 1996 Summer Olympics, where she again competed in both women’s singles and doubles. This strong showing at the Olympics solidified Linda as one of the top badminton players of the era.
Her success in the sport is a testament to her talent and dedication to the game.
15. Tyna Barinaga
Tyna Barinaga was an exceptional badminton player from the United States who achieved great success during the 1960s and 1970s. She was a multiple time national and international champion, winning titles all around the world.
In 1964, Barinaga and Caroline Jensen, her teammate from Port Angeles, Washington, made history by becoming the first teenage team to win the U.S. Open Championships women’s doubles title. This was a major accomplishment, and it highlighted the skill and tenacity of the two.
It is a testament to their hard work and dedication that they were able to achieve such a victory at such a young age.
Barinaga and Jensen’s success has since been a source of inspiration for aspiring badminton players, showing that anything is possible with the right attitude and effort.
16. Pam Bristol Brady
Pam Bristol Brady is a renowned badminton player who achieved great successes throughout her career. She competed at both the national and international levels and was known for her impressive anticipation and shot-making abilities.
At the national level, she won an impressive twenty U.S. titles between 1972 and 1985, which included four in singles, eleven in women’s doubles, and five in mixed doubles. These incredible accomplishments earned her a place among the greatest badminton players of all time.
Her influence on the sport of badminton is evident even today, as many young players look up to her as an inspiration.
17. Shannon Pohl
Shannon Pohl is an elite badminton player from the United States. She has been playing the sport competitively since she was young and has developed her skills to a professional level.
Pohl has been a part of the United States Badminton team for several years and has competed in numerous tournaments across the world. She is highly respected in the badminton community for her skill and hard work and is known for her drive to always strive for excellence.
Pohl is an inspiration to badminton players of all ages and is a role model for aspiring athletes. She is an excellent example of how dedication and practice can help one to reach their goals in any sport.
18. Phillip Chew
Phillip Hung Chew is an accomplished American badminton player. He had a successful career in the sport, winning two gold medals in the men’s and mixed doubles at the 2015 Pan American Games.
This was a great feat for Chew, as it showed the world that he had what it took to compete at a high level. He was also invited to compete in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, where he showcased his skills to a global audience.
Most recently, he won the 2021 Pan Am Badminton Championships doubles with his brother Ryan Chew. This victory was especially significant for Phillip, as it was a testament to the dedication and hard work he puts in with his brother to train and compete.
It was also a great way to cap off his impressive badminton career, as he has shown himself to be a formidable player.
19. Eva Lee
Eva Lee is a professional badminton player from the United States. She is a well-known name in the global badminton community and has represented her country at various international tournaments.
She has won numerous awards for her outstanding performances in the game and has been featured in several international publications. Eva Lee has been playing badminton since she was a child and has been a part of the American badminton team since the early 2000s.
She has competed in the Olympics, the World Championships, the Asian Championships, and many other prestigious competitions.
She has earned several medals and awards throughout her career, including a gold medal in the women’s doubles event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to her competitive success, Eva Lee has become an ambassador for the sport, both in the United States and abroad. She has been featured in many promotional campaigns and has been a part of the USA Badminton team since 2012.
She is a strong advocate of the game and a role model for aspiring badminton players. Eva Lee is a dedicated athlete who has been a shining light in the badminton world for many years.
She is a prime example of the determination and hard work that it takes to become a successful athlete. She is an inspiration to many and her achievements will undoubtedly continue to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams.
20. Mathew Fogarty
Mathew Fogarty is a talented and successful American badminton player who has a specialty in doubles matches. He has achieved a remarkable feat of winning the men’s doubles title in the United States National Badminton Championships four times.
His success is even more impressive as he has achieved this feat with three different partners. This highlights the skill and adaptability of the player, as he is able to make the necessary adjustments to his game in order to be successful with different partners.
It also speaks to Fogarty’s ability to read the game, identify opportunities, and capitalize on them with his various partners. Fogarty’s success in the badminton doubles field is a testament to his skill and a reflection of his dedication and commitment to the sport.
21. Katherine Valli
Katherine Revell Valli is a shining star in the world of para badminton. She has made a name for herself in the sport, competing in international level events and achieving great success.
Valli was a double medalist at the 2019 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel, Switzerland, claiming a gold medal in women’s singles and an additional silver medal in the women’s doubles event.
This accomplishment is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport of para badminton.Valli has been playing para badminton since she was a young girl and has competed in numerous tournaments over the years.
Her commitment to the sport is evident in her impressive performances and she continues to inspire other para badminton players to achieve greatness. Valli’s rise to success is nothing short of remarkable and her contributions to the sport of para badminton have been immense.
It is safe to say that Katherine Revell Valli is a major influence in the para badminton world and her success has certainly put her on the map.
22. Hock Lai Lee
Hock Lai Lee is a badminton player from Malaysia who currently resides in America. He began his career as a junior player in Malaysia, based out of Penang.
During his junior career, he achieved a great deal of success, including winning the Pahang Open tournament in the boys’ singles event. This success has propelled him to become one of the most prominent Malaysian-born American badminton players.
He has since gone on to compete in numerous international tournaments and has achieved many more victories in the process.
Lee’s success in the sport of badminton is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and his story is an inspiration to aspiring badminton players from all over the world.
23. Sattawat Pongnairat
Sattawat Pongnairat is an impressive athlete, having achieved great success in the sport of badminton. He is an American player and competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In order to reach this level of excellence, Pongnairat trained at the Orange County Badminton Club, which enabled him to perfect his skills in the sport.
His dedication and hard work paid off in 2015 when he achieved a gold medal in men’s doubles with his teammate Phillip Chew at the Pan American Games.
This medal was a testament to Pongnairat’s skill and determination, and it is likely that he will continue to achieve success in badminton in the future.
24. Raju Rai
Rajiv Kumar “Raju” Rai is a talented badminton player who has made a name for himself in the sport. He is of Indian descent and hails from the United States.
Rai has achieved great success in his badminton career, having won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He won the medal along with his partner Mesinee Mangkalakiri.
This victory was a great accomplishment for Rai, as it was his first major international medal. Rai has become a well-known figure in the sport of badminton.
He has achieved a great deal of success in his career, and his bronze medal from the 2003 Pan American Games is a testament to this. He is a dedicated athlete who is driven by his passion for the sport.
His hard work and dedication have paid off in the form of his international success. Rai’s success at the Pan American Games has become a source of inspiration for aspiring badminton players.
He is an excellent role model for young athletes, showing them that hard work and dedication can pay off in the long run.
He has also managed to make a name for himself in the sport, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success in badminton even if you come from a different cultural background.
25. Mesinee Mangkalakiri
Mesinee “May” Mangkalakiri is a decorated American badminton player of Thai descent. She has achieved great success in her sport, having earned a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
She had partnered with Raju Rai, another accomplished badminton player, to win the medal. Mangkalakiri has been a part of the American badminton team since 2001, and has been consistently ranked among the top players in the US.
She is a highly respected athlete, having been named the US Olympic Committee’s Athlete of the Year in 2002. Mangkalakiri’s success is a testament to her dedication and hard work, as well as her talent and skill in the sport.
Her achievements have served as an inspiration to many, and her story is one of determination and perseverance.
26. Khan Malaythong
Khan Malaythong, nicknamed “Bob”, is a remarkable American badminton player. He was able to qualify for the U.S. badminton team and compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics as a doubles competitor.
Malaythong has had a lifetime of experience with badminton, as he moved to the United States at the young age of 8. He was knowledgeable enough to team up with Howard Bach in men’s doubles to represent the U.S. at the Olympics.
This combination of Malaythong’s skill and Bach’s experience was essential for a successful result at the Olympics. By working together, they were able to make it to the quarterfinals, proving their talent and dedication to the sport.
Malaythong and Bach have since become an inspiration to many up-and-coming badminton players.
27. Meiluawati
Meluawati is a former world-class badminton player who is known for her contributions to the sport. Born in Indonesia, she represented her home country for many years before eventually transitioning to representing the United States.
During her time playing badminton, she won multiple titles and awards and was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Her career achievements include being the first Indonesian woman to win the All England Open Badminton Championships and she was also the first Indonesian-born player to be inducted into the Badminton Hall of Fame.
Her dedication to the sport and her accomplishments have made her an inspiration to many aspiring badminton players. She is now retired, but her legacy continues to live on in the world of badminton.
28. Kowi Chandra
Kowi Chandra is a former badminton player who hails from Indonesia. He specialized in men’s doubles and has since moved to the United States. He is now representing the United States in badminton tournaments.
Chandra was born and raised in Indonesia and has been playing badminton since a young age. He has been part of several teams in Indonesia and has achieved a great deal of success.
He is well-known for his skills in doubles, and his ability to work with his partner to create a strong team. Since moving to the United States, Chandra has continued to participate in badminton tournaments, representing the country in international matches.
He is a great asset to the United States badminton team and continues to strive for excellence in his sport.
29. Rena Wang
Rena Wang is an accomplished badminton player from the United States. She was selected by the Badminton World Federation to take part in the 2012 Olympics as a competitor in the women’s singles event.
Her sister, Iris Wang, is also a professional badminton player and she and Rena are a formidable doubles team. Having competed together in numerous tournaments, they are a force to be reckoned with on the badminton court.
With their combined skills, they have achieved many successes, including a bronze medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games. Rena and Iris Wang’s determination, strength, and enthusiasm have made them one of the most feared badminton duos in the world.
30. Paula Lynn Obanana
Paula Lynn Cao Hok is an impressive badminton player with an equally impressive background. She is a Filipino-American, originally hailing from Dumaguete, Philippines.
In 2015, she achieved a major milestone in her professional career, winning the women’s doubles gold medals at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. She was partnered with another standout badminton player, Eva Lee.
In 2016, Paula Lynn Cao Hok competed at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was a monumental event for her career, and it is an honor that few badminton players ever experience. Paula Lynn Cao Hok is a shining example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
She is an inspiration to many and a true role model for aspiring badminton players.
31. Timothy Lam
Timothy Lam is an accomplished American badminton player and coach. In 2019, he participated in the Pan American Games and made it to the quarter-finals.
His hard work and dedication paid off, as he was later confirmed to represent the United States at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Throughout his career, Lam has consistently shown an impressive level of skill and athleticism in the sport, which has earned him recognition and respect among his peers.
He is an excellent role model for aspiring athletes, as he demonstrates the importance of dedication and hard work to achieve success.
32. Halim Haryanto
Halim Haryanto Ho is an Indonesian former badminton player who achieved great success in the sport. He is a former world champion and achieved this title alongside his doubles partner, Tony Gunawan.
After his success in badminton, Haryanto decided to immigrate to the United States in 2004 and pursue a coaching career. As a coach, he has continued to work with and develop the skills of young badminton players.
He is known for his passion and dedication to the sport, and for his commitment to helping others reach their full potential. Haryanto is an inspiration to many and has been a role model for aspiring badminton players all around the world.
Conclusion
The best badminton players in the United States of America have demonstrated tremendous skill and talent in the sport. They have achieved world-class status in the game and have become role models for aspiring badminton players.
It is inspiring to see their dedication and commitment to the sport, and their success serves as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
With the increasing popularity of the sport in the US, we can look forward to many more talented badminton players in the future.
