Badminton at the Olympics

In 1987, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) officially recognized USA Badminton as the National Governing Body for the sport of badminton in the US.  In 1989, badminton made its USOC event debut at the US Olympic Festival in Oklahoma City, OK.

 At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, badminton made its first appearance as an Olympic event, with US athletes advancing as far as the second round of the tournament. Following this high profile event, membership in the International Badminton Federation surged to a record 130 nations.

The sport first appeared on the Pan American Games program in 1995 in Argentina, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, raised the sport's visibility in the US.  The event was a sell-out, and public figures like former US President Jimmy Carter, First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, Princess Anne, and celebrity Paul Newman were among those in attendance.

In its quest to achieve Olympic medals in the year 2008, USA Badminton now trains elite athletes -- including Olympians, national champions, and junior national champions -- full time.  In addition to receiving 25 hours of court time per week under the supervision of the national and regional coaches, athletes are also involved in cross-training programs, extensive strength training programs, and US Olympic Committee performance services programs.