BADMINTON Irish badminton player Scott Evans secures Olympic qualification
It has been a very difficult season for the players with an unprecedented amount of pressure on their shoulders at every tournament and between each event. But they have handled it admirably and deserve great praise for their endeavours.
The Olympic qualifying year began a long hard 12 months ago with four candidates setting off on their world adventure. Scott Evans Mens singles, Chloe Magee and Ruth Kilkenny in the Ladies singles and Chloe Magee and Huang Bing in the Ladies Doubles. The qualifying year in an Olympic cycle is unrelenting in the pressure it applies, far greater than at any other period. All events are much tougher and even the qualifying in some tournaments can be stronger than main draws. Every player in every country wants to get there and the competition is fierce. There is almost no “development” squads sent to events, everyone is there to get their Olympic points.
It is difficult to convey the total commitment each of these athletes have given but they have played badminton in every corner of the globe; training at and to all stages physical and psychological exhaustion, in unusual environments. And all the time with a financial constraint over each of them. Countries visited by the players include Australia, New Zealand New Caledonia, Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Japan USA Canada, Brazil Peru plus a myriad of others. They have spent 100’s of hours in airports and planes in their quest for to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games.
From my perspective, I have gained an even greater respect for these four athletes (and indeed all the Irish players who competed at world events). I have seen them at their best times and at some of their lowest moments and all the time being tremendous ambassadors for Ireland and Irish badminton. They have acquitted themselves with great courage and determination and I have no doubt that the experience they have gained throughout the last 12 months will serve them well long into their future careers. It has been my pleasure watching the players over this period and I look forward to seeing them continue long into the future.
By Donal O'Halloran, Team Manager, Badminton Ireland
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