Tuesday, July 30, 2024
COMPILED BY DIANNE PIERRE | YOHAN NONOTTE & MIKAEL ROPARS/BADMINTONPHOTO
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“My parents are here in the audience. I’m so proud to play in front of them. I come from a small country and I’m proud to represent Mauritius in badminton.” – Kate Foo Kune
“We are humans before players, that’s the most important thing. When I stepped off the court, I realised I had won. But I was a bit worried about how he (Soren Opti) was feeling, because I’d never wish anybody to be in his position, especially at the Olympics.” –Giovanni Toti
“It’s sad Mark Lamsfuss had to withdraw. We wish him a speedy recovery. We are absolutely ready for the last group match against the Indian third seeds.” – Fajar Alfian
“I play He Bing Jiao next, who also won her first game, so we will be going at it to be the person who goes through. I think we are both feeling quite confident, so we will see who comes out on top.” – Kirsty Gilmour
“Three years ago in Tokyo there was no crowd, so it’s mind-blowing to play for a full house, especially when the French are playing at the same time. The crowd woke up – you can see it. A bigger house would fill up still.” – Kalle Koljonen
“I’ve already forgotten the last two or three points (laughs). It’s my first match at my first Olympics. My arm was so stiff, I was that nervous.” – Goh Jin Wei
“Being the first to represent Kazakhstan in badminton at the Olympics is truly amazing. I hope more badminton players from my country will be influenced to take up the sport because it’s the best sport in the world.” – Dmitriy Panarin
“I slipped playing the same opponent (Thet Htar Thuzar) last year. So there was a little bit of mental PTSD. It was only three points away when I had to be wheeled off. So it was more meaningful to play her and finish the match and this time come out on top. It’s encouraging.” – Michelle Li
“My parents don’t always come to watch me. Also, it’s not often I get a chance to participate in the Olympics, so I really wanted to show them as many matches as possible.” — Yugo Kobayashi
“It gives us great confidence to go deeper. I don’t know what to think. I’m just letting it sink in. I don’t know what happened. I will see tomorrow what the day brings. I’m relishing this moment.” – Maiken Fruergaard
Fruergaard (right) and Sara Thygesen acknowledging the applause after sealing their knockout place.