2000 Sydney Olympics – Kong Linghui
Kong Linghui first tasted success in the Olympics when he won the gold medal in the 1996 doubles event along with Liu Guoliang. 4 years later, the Chinese paddler wonan Olympic singles gold medal of his own when he won a memorable final against Jan-Ove Waldner.
In what is considered to be one of the best finals of all time, Kong Linghui showcased brilliant all-round attacking play to overcome his idol Waldner. Playing with a shake-hand grip, Linghui had modelled his game on the legendary Swedes Waldner and Persson, but he created his own legacy in the TT world winning the Olympic singles medal and becoming only the third men's player to complete a career grand slam.
Linghui is currently the coach of the Chinese women team and he along with Liu Guoliang were the first paddlers to truly start Chinese domination.
The below video contains full highlights of the final between Kong Linghui and Waldner:
