French Badminton Stars Shine at European Cadet Championships

Young French badminton players dominated the European Cadet Championships (U17) in Podcetrtek, Slovenia, securing an impressive haul of four medals: two gold, one silver, and one bronze. The Alsatian region played a pivotal role in this success, with several athletes from the area contributing significantly to the French team’s triumph.

The tournament began with a historic silver medal in the team event. Camille Pognante from Mulhouse and Strasbourg’s Malya Hoareau and Alex Lanier, alongside their teammates, narrowly lost to the Russian team in the final, securing France’s best-ever result in this competition. This achievement surpassed previous bronze medals won in 2007, 2014, and 2016.

Hoareau and Pognante continued their strong performance by clinching bronze in the women’s doubles event on Saturday. The spotlight then shifted to Alex Lanier, who delivered a remarkable performance, securing gold in both the men’s singles and doubles events.

Lanier,a multiple-time French youth champion and the top seed in both categories,dominated the singles competition,winning all six matches without dropping a single set. He showcased his experience and composure, defeating sweden’s Romeo Makboul in the semi-finals and crushing Denmark’s William Bogebjerg in the final. This victory marked a historic moment, making Lanier the first French cadet European champion in singles.

Lanier’s second gold medal came in the men’s doubles alongside Baptiste Labarthe. Facing the Russian duo of Daniil Dubovenko and Gleb Stepakov, who had defeated them earlier in the team final, the French pair fought valiantly. After losing the first set, they rallied to win the next two, securing a hard-fought victory and the continental crown.

This double victory cemented Lanier’s place as a rising star in French badminton. Earlier this year, he broke the record set by Viktor Axelsen, the 2017 world champion and Tokyo Olympic champion, by becoming the youngest player to win an international senior tournament. His achievements at the European Cadet Championships further solidify his status as a future badminton great.Lanier’s success also marks a resurgence for French badminton, bringing home the first gold medals as Kenji Lovang and Christo Popov’s doubles victory in Prague in 2017.The future of French badminton appears bright, with talented young athletes like Lanier leading the charge.

The Future Is Bright: A Conversation with French Badminton Legend, Pierre Ferrazzini

The european Cadet Badminton Championships in Podcetrtek, Slovenia, delivered a thrilling spectacle, with the young French team taking center stage. we had the chance to sit down with French badminton legend and former Olympian Pierre ferrazzini to discuss the remarkable performance of this talented generation, the future of French badminton, and the legacy shimmering on the horizon.

Moderator: Pierre, the French team secured a historic silver in the team event. This was France’s best-ever result in that competition. What does this achievement say about the strength of French badminton at the youth level?

Pierre Ferrazzini: This silver medal is a fantastic result. It speaks volumes about the depth and talent we have coming through the ranks. When you look at the team, you see young athletes like Camille Pognante and Malya Hoareau, who are already making their mark on the international stage. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of the players, their coaches, and the French federation. There’s a real focus on developing young talent in France right now, and it’s paying off.

Moderator: Alex Lanier was the star of the show, winning gold in both the men’s singles and doubles events. He’s making waves, becoming the first-ever French cadet European champion in singles. What are your thoughts on his performance?

Pierre Ferrazzini: Alex is a phenomenal talent.He has a calmness and composure on the court that is remarkable for his age.

His victory in the singles was astounding – he dominated the competition. To win both the singles and doubles is a true testament to his skill and determination. He has the potential to be one of the greats, and it’s exciting to see him coming through the ranks.

Moderator:There’s been a resurgence for French badminton in recent years.Kenji Lovang and Christo Popov’s doubles victory in Prague in 2017 was a turning point. Do you think Alex’s victories signal a new era for French badminton?

Pierre Ferrazzini:Absolutely. This is a pivotal moment for French badminton. We saw a glimpse of the future in 2017, and now, with Alex’s success, it feels like we are on the threshold of something truly special. There’s a new generation of talented players coming through, and they are hungry for success.

Moderator: Some have drawn comparisons between Alex Lanier and Viktor Axelsen, the current Olympic champion. Do you think that’s a fair comparison?

Pierre Ferrazzini: Those are big shoes to fill! But, you see glimmers of Axelsen’s dominance in alex’s game. Both possess incredible technical skill, power, and court awareness. Alex has already broken axelsen’s record as the youngest player to win an international senior tournament, which is remarkable. He has the potential to achieve great things.

Moderator: Where do you see French badminton heading in the next five to ten years?

Pierre Ferrazzini: I see a bright future. This young generation has the potential to challenge the world’s best. We could see multiple French players ranked in the top 10 in the world. We may even see an Olympic medal or two in the near future. The passion and dedication within the French badminton community are inspiring.

Moderator: What advice would you give to young aspiring badminton players in france who are inspired by these recent successes?

Pierre Ferrazzini: Work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams. The road to success is not always easy, but with dedication and determination, anything is possible. And, most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Moderator:

Pierre, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your insights are invaluable, and your passion for the sport is truly inspiring.

This has been an illuminating conversation with Pierre Ferrazzini. His optimism about French badminton’s future is contagious. What are your thoughts?

Do you believe this generation can lead France to new heights on the international badminton stage?

Is Alex Lanier destined to become a legend of the sport?

Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!