What Makes Peter Gade Unique?

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Gade stated very early about 17 years old that he was intent on becoming top of the world in men's singles. Not a very common statement in a country with a lot of "tall poppy syndrome" mentality. An incredible determination, a very strongly developed sense of technique, and an incredible foot speed made him practically untouchable when he was at his peak around 1999-2003. He never won a world champs, but made it to the semis twice and the finals once and made one Olympic semi-final in 2000. Furthermore he won numerous Grand Prix tournaments (now called the Super Series) and European championships. He has been consistently in the top 10 for more than a decade and was number 1 for  almost 3 years in a row.

Gade's preparation for the Beijing Olympics hasn't been optimal as he has suffered from asthma and has just decided to not try to defend his European championships title due to a broken rib.

The fact that the preparation to Beijing 2008 hasn't been optimal could actually turn out to be somewhat of an advantage for Gade. At an Olympics there is huge pressure on all athletes to do well, and especially the Chinese hosts HAVE to perform. The world ranking shows that they should, having the first 3 spots in mens singles.

The Last time Gade won a Super Series was in Malaysia Open 2007. He almost pulled out even before the tournament started, as he spent a couple of days at a Malaysian hospital prior to the tournament because of serious diarrhea.

The fact that he still won it in a physical condition that couldn't possibly have been very good tells me, that there is still unused potential in him if he just goes out there and plays without pressure. Very often the very same personal traits that takes people far in elite sports, are the very same that in pressure situations can work against them. Gade's will to win and high expectations to himself has taken further than anyone - except for maybe less than 5 players of all time.

Those same expectations are, in my mind, the very same that have prevented him from playing to his potential in peak situations. Those expectations might be lowered at the 08 games.

Obviously the mental side is extremely important but it never stands alone. He definitely has to be in reasonably physical shape to do well at the Olympics.