Name: Ygor Coelho De Oliveira
Country: Brazil
Events: Singles
How did you meet badminton?
“It was thanks to my dad. He trained with a team and when I was 3 years old, my dad played with me after training. He cut a racket and made it small for me, and so I started playing badminton and I didn’t want to leave it.”
When did you say: yes, I will dedicate myself to badminton?
“In truth, when I was little I did not plan to play internationally. When I saw the Pan American Games in Rio 2007, I really liked the high performance sport. Chairmaine Reid from Canada went to the club where I was training and that was the first time I saw an Olympic athlete. That visit made me dream and I started running after that dream.”
Which are your goals for this year?
“My goal this year is to win the Pan American Games. I also want to achieve one of the best quotas for the Olympic qualification.”
What is the hardest part of being a high level athlete?
“The most difficult is to have no one, travel alone to tournaments, without family or friends. But I have a very big dream, so I try to focus on that and seize the moment.”
How do you get inspired to keep going?
“It is a matter of focus. There is competition but I think of enjoying. Defeats are normal, sometimes we win or lose, but you always have to think about what follows, and that keeps me focused.”
Which badminton player do you admire?
“My biggest inspiration is Lin Dan, he is a legend.”
How does it feel to play Denmark League?
“It is magnificent. I am learning a lot with the league, playing with the best in the world. I feel better mentally. We always have to be focused because it is a constant competition, and one gets used to the rhythm of competition, playing every week, and playing with the best in the world helps me improve.”
What message would you give to young people who are just starting to practice badminton?
“Never give up despite difficulties. Train a lot, give everything of yourself and take advantage of the opportunities in tournaments. One day, dreams will come true.”
“I want to thank everyone for the support, and for continuing to follow my sports career. I like the public to follow badminton, that’s good for sports and for us athletes. This year I will compete at the Pan American Games and looking for the Olympic qualification, so keep supporting us and following the Pan American badminton.”
Photo Credit: BPAC
