Panda does not like typing these types of posts but this is one of those times we need better clarification:
The post below, no offense to the Original Poster (OP) is not correct. It is, what's that science called? When you mistake one thing to lead to a conclusion of something possibly completely different. It's incorrect deductive knowledge of sorts.
You cannot say, for a fact (or
"no doubt" in this case), Bolt is going to be better (
"more successful") than LD in badminton because he's 5% faster given the same training. It is possible but not a fact.
There are too many other factors other than speed such as:
1) Timing
2) Hand-eye coordination
3) Transitional speed, LD will transition faster because he has less wing span and weight to move.
4) Mental toughness
5) Synergy: a combination all the assets to make Lin Dan...Lin Dan
We won't count footwork, strategy, fitness as the OP mentioned
if Bolt were to train like LD. We will say that's comparable for argument's sake.
Now if the OP said Bolt had comparably trained badminton skills, timing, coordination, transitional speed, mental toughness and synergy to LD
and Bolt was 5% faster, then it would be more likely he could beat LD in a match but again, that doesn't necessarily translate into being a more successful badminton career.
Conclusion: just because you are the best at one thing, doesn't mean you will be the best or better at something else given you have one (or more) advantage(s) (in this case speed) over others. It can greatly benefit you but it's definitely not a sure thing.
Thanks for listening, Panda out.
Side bar:
Just like this example, ceteris paribus (all else being equal) Bolt isn't the fastest 100 meter sprinter because he has the most fast twitch muscles. It's the synergy/combination of his fast twitch muscles combined with his height, weight, leg/wingspan, technique, and other factors.
In fact, it was stated most sprinters take 44 steps to complete the 100meters while Bolt only takes 41. Bolt gets greater extension, does less work to get to the same 100 meters.
Anyway, just a bit of clarification, thanks.
OK, not sure that was clear but that's all this Panda's gonna type.
Genes matter. Scientist have isolated a gene that's specific to the Jamaican population (5%) of the island have this gene where their muscles contract faster, thus producing faster sprinters.
If Bolt grew up in China and was picked to train like Lin Dan, I have no doubt he will be more successful simply put. Genetically, he will be 5% faster.