Name: Sören Opti
City / Country: Paramaribo, Suriname
Birth Date: 16/05/1997.
At what age did you start in Badminton and how do you get into this sport?
“At the age of 4, I started to play at my current Badminton Club SCVU because badminton is my Family Sport (My family also plays badminton)”
In how many tournaments did you participate?
“I have participated in more than 30 tournaments, including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro”
To how many countries have badminton taken you?
“I’ve been to many countries: Guatemala, Brazil, Germany, Chile, Netherlands, Jamaica, Aruba, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Mexico, Peru, among others.”
Which are your short and medium term objectives as a badminton player?
“I wanna have good Results at 2019 Pan Am Games and Qualify for 2020 Olympics Games”
Do you perform other activities in parallel to your career as an athlete such as study or work?
“Yes, I’am study and also have my own clothing line.”
How sacrificed is it to train and study or work at the same time?
“I’ts a little difficult, specially in my country.”
Which are your favorite hobbies?
“I like indoor soccer, listening to music, singing and swimming.”
Who was your first coach?
“Rinia Hayes, my auntie”
What is the hardest thing of being a high-level athlete?
“The most difficult thing is to get funds to participate in several tournaments”
Have you ever played at the Pan Am Junior Championships? How did it go?
“Yes, several times. In 2006 I won Silver in Boys Singles U11, and Bronze in Doubles. And in 2014 I won Bronze in Boys Doubles U15.”
Is badminton popular in your country?
“Not really”
What would you say to people who want to practice badminton but see that it is not very popular in their country?
“I would tell them to focus on doing what they really want no matter what else.”
