Anna LAO (AM)

Principal of the Australian Badminton Academy, and Former Olympian of Australia 

A life of accomplishment

Striving for success

Anna Oi Chan Lao AM (born 7 May 1962) is a former Australian badminton player. She is the most successful badminton player in the history of Australian badminton.

She was ranked 5th in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where badminton had only been introduced for the first time as an Olympic sport. Lao played in the quarterfinals for women’s singles and women’s doubles where most participants only make it through one discipline.

In the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Lao was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to badminton, sports & to the multicultural community.

The Badminton World

Anna Lao (AM) has continued to make contributions to the badminton world, after her Olympic tour: 

  • Australian Olympian, Barcelona Olympics 1991
  • Australian Open Triple Champion 1989, 1991
  • Australian Badminton Academy founder and Principal 2002 to present
  • President, Australia Division, World Chinese Badminton Federation, since 2012 to present
  • Australian National Level Badminton Coach
  • Master of Sports 1985