From football Field to Badminton court: A Bastogne athlete’s Second Act
Six years ago,Éric Freid traded his football boots for a badminton racket,embarking on a new athletic journey.What began as casual games with colleagues blossomed into a passion, leading him to join the Léglise badminton club. Now, he dedicates two hours every Wednesday to training adn participates in interclub competitions every few weeks, even testing his skills in annual tournaments.
Despite his age, Freid maintains an impressive level of fitness, a testament to his years on the football field. Watching him on the badminton court reveals a player who can easily keep pace with younger opponents. While he prefers doubles matches, acknowledging the demanding nature of singles play, he remains active in other sports like running, cycling, and swimming.
Last Saturday, Freid showcased his skills in both mixed doubles and doubles matches. Even though his mixed doubles team was eliminated in the semi-finals by the eventual tournament winners, Freid considers it a commendable performance against a formidable young team.
He acknowledges that his body will inevitably feel the strain of such intense activity,but thankfully,he has a secret weapon: a collection of recovery devices gifted by his son,a physiotherapist. This year’s addition? A machine designed to soothe his neck and back.
For Freid, badminton is more than just a pastime; it’s a way to challenge himself and stay mentally sharp. He describes it as a sport that demands endurance, reflexes, and strategic thinking. “It’s a fantastic activity for people of all ages,” he emphasizes, “It keeps your mind engaged and requires constant decision-making. While it’s undoubtedly physically demanding, requiring good cardiovascular health, the beauty of badminton lies in its accessibility. Unlike tennis, it doesn’t require complex techniques, making it easy to pick up later in life.”
Having retired from football at 43, Freid has largely distanced himself from the sport, except for occasional coaching stints with youth teams in bastogne. He still keeps tabs on the local football scene, noting with pride that Assenois currently leads the first provincial league.
From Football Boots to Badminton Racket: A Second Act Interview with Éric Freid
Joining us today is Éric Freid, a man who has truly redefined what it means to embrace a “second act” in life. Having hung up his football boots six years ago, Éric transitioned seamlessly to the badminton court, finding a new passion that keeps him sharp, competitive, and engaged. Welcome, Éric!
Éric: Thank you for having me.
Moderator: Éric, your journey is incredibly inspiring. You’ve gone from a football field veteran to a rising star in the badminton courts.How did this unexpected shift happen?
Éric: Well, it started quite casually. I enjoyed playing badminton with colleagues after work,and it quickly evolved into something more.I joined the Léglise badminton club,started training regularly,and discovered a real knack for the sport.
Moderator: Manny peopel assume retired athletes struggle to find a new outlet after they leave their main sport. What was it about badminton that resonated with you so strongly?
Éric: I think it was the perfect combination of physical and mental challenge. It keeps me active, which is essential after years on the football field, but it also requires strategic thinking and agility – things I always enjoyed about football.
Moderator: You mentioned the physical demands. We’ve seen you on the court, Éric, and you’re effortlessly keeping pace with players much younger than you. What’s your secret to staying so fit?
Éric: (Laughs) Well, I wouldn’t say it’s a secret! Years of playing football definitely built a solid foundation. But I also stay active outside of badminton, whether it’s running, cycling, or swimming. I believe in a holistic approach to fitness.
Moderator: As an athlete, you’ve experienced both the highs and lows of competition.Last Saturday’s tournament seemed filled with both. Can you tell us more about your mixed doubles semi-final against the eventual winners?
Éric: It was a thrilling match, but those youngsters were incredibly talented.We put up a good fight, but they deserved to win. That’s the beauty of sport – there’s always something to learn, and it motivates you to push yourself further.
Moderator: It’s admirable how you maintain such a positive outlook, especially considering the physical toll competitive sports can take. You mentioned your son, a physiotherapist, gifting you some recovery tools.Can you share what helps you stay in top condition?
Éric: He’s been a godsend! This year, he got me a neck and back massager.Trust me, after a couple of hours on the court, it’s a lifesaver.
Moderator: Badminton is enjoying a surge in popularity, attracting players of all ages. What woudl you say to someone considering taking up the sport later in life?
Éric: Go for it! Badminton is fantastic for all ages and fitness levels. It’s accessible, mentally engaging, and a great way to stay active and social.
Moderator: Éric, thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Éric: Don’t let age be a barrier. Embrace new challenges, discover new passions, and remember that it’s never too late to start something wholly new.
Moderator: Wise words, Éric. We wish you continued success on the court!Now, we want to hear from you, our readers!
Have any of you made similar transitions to new sports later in life? What are your thoughts on Éric’s inspiring story? Share your experiences and comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
