Olympian in Sydney 2000 and Pan Am Games champion (in 1999), Milaine Cloutier started badminton as a child and went on to great achievements. Now she continues to be involved with our sport as a Pan Am Accredited Umpire but she faced some challenges early on in her career.
“My older brother taught me badminton outside then we went to his high school for practice when I was 9 years old. The boys told me girls couldn’t beat guys. I persevered and eventually I beat them all. They all quit then I had no one to play with but my coach.”
Perseverance and talent led her to have great sporting achievements. Competing in the Olympic Games is the dream of any athlete and Milaine achieved it, as well as various good results in national and international championships, and it is among them that she finds the best moment she has experienced with our sport.
“Most people would think the Olympics in 2000 should be my biggest highlight but in fact, winning the gold medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg (Canada), in front of my own crowd and family, was definitely the biggest highlight.”
But the road to those great results was somewhat difficult for Milaine. She experienced moments of uncertainty and concern since during the qualifying period for the 1996 Olympic Games she suffered an injury that forced her to give up that dream. Milaine returned to the courts stronger and with the support of her teammates she managed to fulfill her dreams and more.
“During the qualification period for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, I injured my left knee. I tried playing with a huge brace to keep my knee stable but in vain. I missed the Olympics. I was told I needed surgery reconstruction of my ACL or might not be able to walk later in life. I decided to have surgery done in March 1997. I heard others say I wouldn’t come back but my partner gave me a card that said: ‘When the going gets tough, the tough gets going’. That gave me the motivation to prove everyone and myself I could do it. 5 months later, in Aug 1997, I returned and competed in the Pan Am Championships along with my partner. We won gold!”
Sport gives you revenge, leads you to fulfill dreams, teaches you to persevere and discover new things and opportunities. Milaine treasures in her heart all those things that badminton has given her and allowed her to live with a feeling of gratitude and that is why she continues to bring some of her talent and experience to our sport throughout the region.
“Badminton has made me the confident, outgoing, disciplined woman I am today. It’s given me so much I must give back. I am still playing 3 times a week to keep in shape, I umpire, and I referee. I will continue to do so until my health no longer permits it.”
