“The atmosphere coming into the match was amazing. We won’t get too many moments like this in our lives so it’s a special one to treasure.” – Christo Popov

“I’ve been trying to improve since the Rio 2016 Olympics. I played Lee Chong Wei and I was really nervous. This time, playing Shi (Yu Qi), I handled it well. I had some good points and putting him under pressure makes me happy. I know I lack stroke hours. My dream is to play on the BWF World Tour against the best in the world.” – Soren Opti

“It was amazing, everyone was so supportive. I was managing the nerves by taking deep breaths. I was listening to Persian motivational music before the match.” – Dorsa Yavarivafa

“We were on the boats last night for the Opening Ceremony but it was cold and wet. An experience we will never forget. It was amazing.” – Jennie Gai

“It was amazing to play in front of the French fans, family and friends. It was really loud and when we were warming up they played the national anthem. That was a little strange but the atmosphere was great. We are looking forward to returning.” – Delphine Delrue

“We share a lot of things. I know all her secrets and she knows mine. We went to school together when I was 15 and she was 13. I’m the more outgoing one, so I approached her. That’s when I realised she wasn’t the shy type.” – Thinaah Muralitharan

“The feeling we are now Olympians is big and amplified times 10 by the people in the stadium cheering. I heard a lot of people say, ‘Go USA’, so I’m proud there are Americans out here to support us. Back home, it’s mostly rare outside California to be in a packed stadium this big.” – Kerry Xu

“There wasn’t a second of the match I didn’t enjoy. I loved it. I’m thrilled to be here. I had around 10 members of my family and my girlfriend here and that helped take the pressure off me. I could hear them cheering the whole match.” – Julien Carraggi

“I started playing at six and to represent Brazil in badminton at the Olympics years later is incredible. Carolina Marin is my idol and I had the opportunity to train with her before the Olympics. All I can say is ‘wow’. She’s incredible. She motivates me to play.” – Juliana Viana Vieira

“I’m pretty emotional. It’s a crazy crowd out there. It was hard to think and hear my coach with the noise. It’s the atmosphere I wanted to play in and I thrive off that kind of energy.” – Tiffany Ho

“It was my first time going on the Seine River and what a moment to enjoy it. I was greatly honoured to be asked to be a flagbearer.” – Thet Htar Thuzar