Name: Danica Nishimura
Country: Peru
Events: Doubles and Mixed Doubles
How did you meet badminton?
“I play badminton since I was 9 years old. In 2008 I played my first Pan American Junior Championship. I started at the AELU Club, where the coach is friends with my parents. I played soccer and the badminton was not very widespread at the time, and you don’t know it if they don’t talk to you about it. The coach always told my parents about the badminton, encouraging them to take me to meet and practice it. So one Sunday my parents took me to training, and I loved it. I remember playing with the coach and at first I couldn’t hit the shuttle, I threw myself on the floor and did everything I could to hit the shuttle. That day I had so much fun that I started at Badminton Academy. There was a time when I had to decide between badminton and soccer, the decision was easy and here I am.”
When did you decide to play doubles?
“I’ve always liked playing doubles more. When I was growing up I realized that my physical performance was not appropriate for singles. I could have a good performance in one set and could not show more in the next. It was frustrating because my physique prevented me from giving up more. So I decided to play doubles. I remember that in a South American, my coach asked me if I agreed to only play doubles in that tournament, I said yes and from there I didn’t play singles again.”
Which was your best result?
“I think that my best results have been the gold medals in Doubles at the Bolivarian Games and South American Games, in addition to the gold medal in Mixed at South American Games. I have also won Pan-American bronze and silver medals in Doubles with Daniela Macias.”
Which is your biggest dream?
“My biggest dream is to reach the Olympic Games. I believe that it is the dream of every athlete, to represent your country at Olympic Games. I have always had that in mind, and this year I am pursuing that dream, I hope to fulfill it.”
Which badminton player do you admire?
“I admire Lin Dan, because I like how he plays, I love how left-handed people play and, being one of the badminton legends, I’ve always followed him. Last year I went to the World Championship and I saw it, it was like seeing a great famous artist. I love his style of play.”
What message would you give to young people who are just starting to practice badminton?
“I would tell them that a lot of commitment is necessary, being able to continue without giving up and making sacrifices. It is one of the greatest things that sport has taught me. All the sacrifices that I have had to make throughout my sporting life, from school to today, whether I am going out with friends, fun trips, any small details that you sometimes think is not so important, but Time passes, you look back and realize that maybe if you had not made that sacrifice you would not be where you are now.”
Photo Credit: BADMINTON PHOTO| IPD
