TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Defying the limitations of age, 104-year-old Lin Yu-mao (林友茂), officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest competitive badminton player, partnered with Taiwanese Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang (李洋) Monday (May 26) at the 2025 World Masters Games. The unlikely duo captivated spectators by securing an 11-9 victory in a spirited exhibition match that bridged a generational gap of nearly eight decades.
The centenarian athlete, who first picked up a badminton racket at age 50, maintains an impressive regimen of playing three times weekly despite his advanced years. Lin expressed pride in his performance on the court, acknowledging the physical challenge of competing at 104 years old while taking satisfaction that his shots still posed difficulties for opponents. With characteristic humor, Lin quipped that partnering with Lee boosted their winning probability "more than 50%," praising his teammate as "a successful player and a two-time Olympic gold medalist."
Selected as the prestigious torchbearer for the World Masters Games, Lin expressed hope that his longevity in the sport would motivate others to discover badminton regardless of age. His public profile has surged dramatically in recent months, with fellow passengers on Taiwan's high-speed rail line to Taipei eagerly requesting photographs alongside the sports celebrity. Lin revealed that he has posed for pictures with over a thousand admiring fans during the past two months, frequently donning the special attire commemorating his world record achievement. ◼