Lin Dan, lovingly nicknamed Super Dan, overpowered Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei last Sunday to win the gold medal in men's singles at the London Olympic badminton tournament. The same day, his new autobiography Until the End of the World was released in China.
"That night, 10,000 copies were sold on 360buy, Amazon and Dangdang," Lü Yangyang, marketing manager for Motie, the book's publishing company, told Global Times.
Until the End of the World
Until the End of the World, the title of the book, matches the tattoo Lin Dan sports on his right arm. The phrase is meant to convey that his love for badminton will last until the end of time.
In his autobiography, Lin Dan documents his journey in becoming the world's top badminton player. Gaining a reputation for both his quick temper and unrivaled skills, Lin Dan has quickly branded himself as China's bad boy of badminton. Pictures in the book highlight Lin's experience throughout the years.
"Until the End of the World focuses on his struggle behind the arena," said Lü.
"The idea for the book was planted last year. Lin Dan participated in designing the book's structure. He recorded what he wanted to say and gave it to editors. After the editors went through it, Lin Dan revised and rewrote parts where necessary."
Active athletes
Many athletes release autobiographies during the peak of their careers, and it's no coincidence that such books have been published around the time of the 2012 Olympic Games.
Duzi Shangchang (Alone on Stage) was released last month by Li Na, a Chinese professional tennis player, and Dare to be a Champion was published in January by Lee Chong Wei, a Malaysian badminton player.
In the past, other athletes have also seized the right moment to maximize the impact of their autobiographies.
I Am Liu Xiang by Liu Xiang, China's 110-meter hurdler who had the nation in his hands following his fall a few days ago and Yao: A Life in Two Worlds by Yao Ming, famed basketball player, were both published in 2004.
"Popular Olympic athletes are coveted by publishers," senior publisher Kong Ning told West China City Daily.
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