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News: Martin, you are qualified for the French Minimes Championships which will be held in Mulhouse all this weekend. What will your goals be?
Martin Catel: It is, in fact, the French Championships of last year. I am qualified in singles and, with Elie [Burgot, ndlr] also double. We have been playing together since this year. We tested ourselves on a competition and we said to ourselves why not continue. We both have a chance for a medal. In singles, I will try to get as far as possible but I know it will be difficult. Two years ago, in doubles, I lost in the quarter-finals. In singles, I was eliminated in the first round. I had been won over by stress, but this time I’m a little more serene.
How did you qualify for these French Championships?
M.C. : We had won the regional championships. In singles, I had already won my qualification thanks to the points I had acquired during the season. So I decided to do them in Cadets to earn more points in this category. The regional or interregional championships, whose level is very high, served as a trial run for me. I worked a lot in training to be able to prepare thoroughly.
At the same time, you are also an intern at the Pôle Espoir…
M.C. : I joined the Pole last year. I had, in fact, applied to integrate it. Everything is going very well and I am very happy there. I’m in ninth grade at Collège Fernand Lechanteur. I benefit from adjusted schedules so that my training blends in with my schooling. The pace is steady but I got used to it. For the moment, I hold as well physically, academically as mentally. My entry to the Pole allowed me to progress. I’m learning to be more consistent in matches by training well.
How did you get to where you are today?
M.C. : I have been at Les Fous du Volant Bayeusains since I started seven years ago. First, a year to test myself and then my coach saw my potential. I then began to take part in major departmental or regional competitions. I started badminton thanks to my father. We made it in our garden. It is an individual sport that requires endurance, concentration and quickness in the legs.
How do you see your future?
M.C. : It will be difficult to live off badminton. You will have to be the best Frenchman and be one of the best in the world. I hope to be called up to the France team to compete in major European or international competitions.
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