Few players will be arriving at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the kind of form that Lucas Mazur is in.
The Frenchman has won every match in singles, doubles and mixed doubles in two tournaments this year, striking up a 28-match winning streak that saw him sweep three gold medals each at the Dubai Para Badminton International in April and the Spanish Para Badminton International in May. His performances in 2021 were quite striking, for, like many of his peers, his previous competition had been over a year ago, in February 2020.
“The last year with COVID-19 was very long and very hard for all the players because we didn’t play in any international competitions,” said Mazur. “My last competition (before the Dubai Para Badminton International in March 2021) was in Peru, in February 2020, so yes it was very long for me.”
Given his exploits, Mazur is favourite in men’s singles SL4, where he’s top seed; he also has a strong shot at a second gold, in mixed doubles SL3-SL4, with Faustine Noel. Mazur acknowledges that his sights have been set on gold, particularly in singles.
“My goal will be to win the gold medal in singles, for me that’s the priority right now. I’m working every day for this, so I think the time to get this medal is very short. We have to work hard in training every day and my mental challenges right now are to push myself during training. Think about that gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, that’s huge for me because it’s a dream and that dream may come true.”
Spurring him on are memories of 2017, when he became world champion.
“In 2017, I became world champion, and for me and my family, winning that title changed many things in my life. I became a new athlete after that title because there was more pressure, and more media came to see me. I will be proud of this title for a very long time. Even if I win the Paralympic title, the World Championships title is a unique moment for me and a huge title.”
The Frenchman says he will be arriving in Tokyo having diligently prepared over the last few months, both physically and mentally.
“I’m trying to stay calm, because I’m working a lot with my psychology coach, so right now I’m trying to control my emotions and stay calm on court. We talk about any bad emotions, about breath, and also, we talk about how I feel in my mind. I’m improving every day and I’m trying to be a better person every day. Also, in my private life with my family and friends, and on court with my partners and the referee and umpire. I try to control my emotions, that’s very important for me right now.”