The Donostiarra will be the only Spanish badminton representative in the Olympic Games
(EFE). San Sebastian Clara Azurmendi, the only Spanish badminton representative in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, explained in a talk with Efe that she will “give everything”, but “without pressure, match by match”.
Her 23-year-old presence in what will be her first Olympic Games is a “dream come true” for the current champion of Spain who, after shining at the Austrian Open, won her ticket to Japan thanks to her position in the ranking (43 ) and the injury of the current Olympic champion, Carolina Marín.
What was the first thing you did when you received the news?
I was lucky that he caught me in San Sebastián and I was able to enjoy it with my family and friends. Just when it became official, I remember that I was in the car with my coach and a colleague, we celebrated it in style. It was a dream come true.
Did you expect it?
At the time that Carolina was injured we began to look at the ranking and we were aware that the possibility of entering was there. The last weeks before the announcement became official we had it almost certain, but the moment in which they communicate it to you is special even if you expect it, an indescribable little thing runs through you inside.
How did you experience Carolina Marín’s injury and that contrast of emotions?
It was hard. Carolina is a companion and friend and assimilating the news that you are not going to the Olympic Games a month after they are held is a huge stick. For me, facing this situation with this double burden has not been easy. But in the end it is something that elite athletes risk, we put our body to the limit to reach 100%, it has happened to her as it could have happened to me or any other teammate, it is a shame.
However, I already notice me. In the end, if I were not there, there would be no Spanish representation in these Games. I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest and take advantage of the opportunity that is given to me.
What is the OBJETIVE?
The main objective is to enjoy the experience and the tournament. We have done a very intense preparation in the last month, we have increased the loads… It has been hard, but in the end the goal is bigger and I have even gotten to enjoy those training sessions in which I was barely able to breathe.
I am going to do my best, I think I am in good shape, I will go game by game, without any pressure and I will go out to win as many games as possible.
Faced with spikes in positive cases for coronavirus in Tokyo, did you fear that the Games could be canceled?
I have tried to stay out of it because it is a decision that never depends on me. To tell you the truth, a year ago I didn’t trust the games to be held.
What future prospects do you see for Spanish badminton beyond Carolina?
Carolina has opened the eyes of many young people, she has made us see that it is possible and the people who come from below have strengthened our ambition. Boys and girls are coming stomping, the level of competitiveness has grown enormously and that makes us all better.
LET’S GO TO TOKYO !!! ????????????????
My dream comes true, that of my family and that of [email protected] those of you who have supported my path until this year, which I will remember all my life.
???????????????? I plan to leave my skin in each point, set and match.#TeamESP #Badminton #JJOO #TeamYonex #BecasPodium pic.twitter.com/ylih56HhB9
— Clara Azurmendi (@clarazurmendi) June 26, 2021
