Over the years, Great Britain have had a somewhat mountainous presence at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, but following their showing at this years’ Olympics, one would not be scorned for saying that talent is dwindling. Though, with a new generation of young and blooming ability, we could be in for a serious return to Olympic stardom in the next few decades. One such talent is Curtis Smith, a budding Badminton prospect who has recently been taking the country by storm winning three of his last five championships. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down with the University of Hull student and ask him some questions about his potential future Badminton career.
Interviewer: So, Curtis. At what age did you start playing Badminton, and why Badminton?
Curtis: I started playing Badminton when I was seven years old, and I’ve played it regularly ever since. As to why I chose Badminton, I’m honestly not too sure. Throughout my life I’ve always managed to choose the slightly ‘odder’ sport, or ‘lesser-heard of’ at least. During my school years I played Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, and Baseball. I know baseball isn’t odd, but in England it’s definitely not played much. But once I started playing Badminton I couldn’t see myself stopping. I joined a brilliant club with some great players and immediately made friends who were just as committed as me.
Interviewer: I heard you’ve won three of your last five championships! How do you mentally prepare for a tournament?
Curtis: Yeah, I’ve had a great season this year. Almost everything that could have gone my way, has done. Hopefully if I maintain this form I could be in with a shot of competing in the World Championship. When I’m preparing for a tournament or a match, I always tend to have some kind of fast-food. Nothing massive, just a small portion of McDonald’s chips for example. I have no idea why; I think it may just be my comfort food or something. Either way, it works in calming down my nerves before I go onto the court. Beyond that, as long as I have everything I could possibly need, I’m generally not a very nervous person so it’s not too much of an issue.
Interviewer: So earlier today, I was lucky enough to have a chat with your coach and he mentioned some whispers about you maybe trialling for the GB Olympics team. How does it make you feel knowing that you’re in the running?
Curtis: Well, it definitely gives me some motivation to keep aiming high. I’m glad to see that my training, success and hard work has given me this opportunity, and I’m VERY glad to know that my coach has faith in me to achieve this goal, which I’ve been aiming for, for a while now. Having said which, knowing that I’m in this position doesn’t change anything to do with my training or regime. I still plan on working just as hard, if not harder than I am now. I need this next year to be as best as it can be in order to give myself the best chance of representing Great Britain.
Interviewer: Do you have any sporting heroes? Any idols that you look up to?
Curtis: Yeah, I have a few. I suppose my favourite would be Cristiano Ronaldo. For somebody to stay at the top of their game for as long as he has takes some serious dedication. He’s my motivation for getting in shape and training as hard as I can. My other idol would most likely be Lewis Hamilton. He goes to show that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, but also that when you have success, you can use it outside of your sport. The lengths that he’s gone to, in order to highlight some of the worlds’ problems really highlights the altruistic person that he is. I honestly don’t understand the people on Twitter who criticise him as a person.
Interviewer: So obviously you’re only just beginning your career and still have years ahead of you. So, do you plan to stay in and around Badminton if and when you retire?Curtis: Well unfortunately there aren’t many pundits in the Badminton world, and it doesn’t get the online attention that other sports get, so livestreams don’t really happen. Then again, I could always become a coach. I have no idea. I guess only time will tell!
Tom Leyland Sports Journalism 