Name: Jaime Aranguiz
Country: Chile
Category: WH2
When did you start in Badminton and how do you get into this sport?
“I play badminton since 2015. I debuted at the I Peru Para-Badminton International 2015. I started with my Mixed Doubles partner, Catalina, who was pioneer of our sport in Chile. She invited me to try badminton and from there I have not left because I like it.”
Which are your best results?
“In Colombia I got 2 bronzes, one in singles and another in doubles, but it was just the beginning and we were few athletes. In Brazil, this year, I also got a bronze but now, the silver medal in the Pan American has been my best result.”
In addition to sporting satisfactions, what other things does badminton give you?
“Friends. I can go to any country that I always face and I will have a helping hand that will receive me in their country, and vice versa because in Chile they will have the same.”
To how many countries has badminton taken you?
“Just 4: Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Denmark.”
What are your short and medium term objectives as a badminton player?
“My clear objective is Lima 2019, it is the achievable goal because in this sport you have to be realistic. We would all like to get to a Paralympic Games but I think not yet to Tokyo 2020, but I do aim at Paris 2024, that is my long-term goal.”
What do you think about para-badminton development in our region?
“Para-Badminton has advanced a lot on the continent. When I started in 2015 we were very few in all categories. Now we are more than one hundred athletes, so the work that is being done in Peru, Brazil and other countries is still very good.”
What message would you like to tell to those who don’t know yet baminton?
“Try it. It is a very beautiful and generous sport. I always say that sport is an act of honor because on the courts we all face each other but outside we are all brothers, we shake hands, we are all friends and that does not happen in all sports. Apart from being a good sport it helps you grow as a person.”
