Méril LOQUETTE
Para Badminton player

Méril received a grant to finance his sporting season and prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. 

What is your sporting background ?
My sporting background began with judo and jujitsu from the age of four, until I was 18. In the meantime, I discovered badminton, like most students do in 6th grade, but I actually played badminton from 3rd grade, at the Maurecourt MBCO club. I remained a member of the club for four years and then joined the Maisons-Laffitte BML club, where I am now. As my level improved, in 2016 a player in the able-bodied category, Vincent Médina, put me in touch with the French Badminton Federation and I joined the French team. In June 2016, I participated in my first French para badminton championship in Troyes and I won a gold medal in singles, a gold medal in doubles and a silver medal in mixed. In October 2016, I took part in the European championships in Beek (Netherlands) and I won a bronze medal in singles and a silver medal in doubles. In January 2017, I took part in my second French para badminton championship in Quimper and got a gold medal in singles. In June 2017, I competed at the International Open in Dublin and got a silver medal in singles and a gold medal in doubles. I have taken part in various Opens in Spain, Thailand and Japan, and most recently in the World Championships in South Korea. 

How do you see your profession today ?
I am 100% involved in my passion. I live for this sport. I sleep badminton, I eat badminton and I think badminton. I would like my self-discipline to pay off with greater visibility, especially in Europe. To do so, you have to perform in international competitions. 

How do you see yourself in 5 years ? In 10 years ?
I see myself participating in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 and in Paris in 2024. Why not reach the top and dethrone the players from Asia who dominate the sport.  

This interview was conducted in 2017
Photo credit: Céline Anaya Gautier