Ayas

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung was 6/15 down in the deciding game in the first of the 2 #Olympic women’s singles semi-finals at #Paris2024. Given the unique format at the Games where the 2 losing semi-finalists have to play-off for the Bronze medal, it would have been easy to resign herself to defeat, with the thought of the Bronze medal match in the back of her mind (a match which didn’t happen due to catastrophic knee injury to Carolina Marin in the second semi-final). But Gregoria’s mindset and integrity didn’t allow for such thoughts. She continued to battle for every point and in doing so displayed her full repertoire of delightful technical skills. With her trademark easy relaxed hitting motion and deception, she time and again sent An Se Young in the wrong direction with disguised slices, pushes to the back of the court, and exquisite net shots. Tunjung won 10 of the last 16 points, which reflected her fighting spirit, although An Se Young eventually won 21/16 in that deciding game. Despite the disappointment at her loss, Tunjung greeted her opponent with a smile and a genuine congratulatory embrace in a heartwarming display of good sportsmanship. That semi-final signalled a possible future great rivalry with An Se Young, and showcased Tunjung’s fighting spirit, her abundant skills and her exemplary sportsmanship. A huge talent and a lovely personality. A young player with a seemingly very bright future. Which is why it’s so distressing to hear that the Olympic Bronze medallist’s ongoing (and debilitating) vestibular illness has forced her to take the major, yet courageous decision to resign from the security and safety-net of the national federation, PBSI, to concentrate on her recovery and health. I’m not sure whether this move indicates the possibility that Gregoria may never return to the competition court. But what I am absolutely certain about is that although I (like many) miss watching her elegant, deceptive play, her health and therefore the ability to enjoy life to the full is of paramount importance. Sending all good wishes for a full recovery Gregoria. And future health and happiness with or without #badminton. 📷 @badmintonphoto

What do Roger Federer and Chou Tien Chen have in common? Apart from the fact both are great athletes, both competitive well into their 30’s, and two of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Whilst those are all wonderful and admirable commonalities, what is simply staggering is the fact Federer finished his career having never retired mid-match, and so far, neither has Chou. Of course, you have to be incredibly lucky never to suffer a severe injury in the middle of a match, but the chances of remaining physically fit are hugely enhanced by the off court physical preparation and recovery protocols with the help of physios and trainers. Both Federer and Chou have taken that aspect extremely seriously. But it’s not only preparation and recovery, attitude is also a big part of fighting on to the bitter end. Even when struggling with illness or injury Federer reasoned his desire to finish every match was “out of respect for the fans”, and I suspect, probably also out of respect for his opponent. I remember being told by my first coach that by walking onto court you are declaring yourself both mentally and physically fit to play. You therefore do not make excuses after the match, and you never give up and leave the court before the match has come to its natural conclusion, unless you have to be carried off with a catastrophic injury. An attitude and philosophy embodied by both Federer and Chou. Whilst Federer has won more major titles, Chou surpasses him in another record as he has played more men’s singles matches than any other #badminton player in history, whereas Federer is only second behind Jimmy Connors on the equivalent list in tennis during the Open era. With 5 #BWFWorldTour events in the next 5 weeks, Chou is entered into 4 of them. His seemingly insatiable love of both the sport and competition means the delightful 36-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down. Of course, no athlete can completely control what happens to them, and sadly injuries do happen. But we can all control our attitudes in difficult situations when not feeling 100%. And both Federer and Chou have been exemplary in that department. 📷 @badmintonphoto