“It’s a very physical sport but also it’s a very mental and tactical sport.”
Those are the words of Ireland’s number one hope in men’s badminton for the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020 following Scott Evans retirement this year. Nhat Nguyen is eighteen years old and moved from Vietnam to Ireland at the age of six.
Listen to the interview in full here;
Nhat discussed what his aims are to ensure his place at the Olympics.
“I wouldn’t say (my spot at the Tokyo Olympics) is secure.”
“You have to be in the top 50 in the world when the qualifying period is ends in April 2020.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s secure but I’m optimistic. I’m confident of qualifying.”
Having just finished the Leaving Cert this year which no doubt will have a massive impact on his training, Nhat outlined the positives that will entail and mentions the gruelling schedule he kept up throughout his time in school.
“When I was in school I would train before and after school, but school takes a lot out of you.”
“Now I can focus 100% on badminton which is what I want to do since I was a little kid.”
“I’m living the life now that I’ve always wanted and I’m giving it my all.”
Nhat will be participating at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires starting the 6th of October representing Ireland as he hopes to bring back a medal.
Also, on this morning’s show we were joined by Dublin’s six time All Ireland winner Cian O’Sullivan. Leinster captain Johnny Sexton and Josh Van Der Flier following their win over Connacht. UCD’s Greg Sloggett on their title winning campaign, Bohs’ Ian Morris looks ahead to their FAI Cup semi final and former St.Pats man Ger O’Brien speaks following Liam Buckley stepping down as St.Pats manager.
Listen to the show in full here;
Now That’s What I Call Sport is live every Sunday morning from 9am.
