Joakim Oldorff received his white hat on Saturday. The goals of the badminton player are at the Paris Olympics.
4.6. 15:46 • Updated 4.6. 17:03
The badminton courts on the Espoo Sports Hall are quite quiet on weekday mornings – except for number 9.
A 19-year-old badminton vow is practicing on the field every morning Joakim Oldorff coach Anu Nieminen guided.
Determined training has begun to pay off. Last year, Oldorff won the European Championship bronze under the age of 19 and the gold medal in the Finnish Championships. In the semifinals, the Tokyo Olympic representative, the European Championship bronze medalist in adults, fell Kalle Koljonen.
But this weekend, Oldorff, who represents Tapion Sulka, is celebrating another achievement: graduating from the sports line at Mäkelänrinne High School.
– I really liked being there. I found good friends there, there were nice teachers and it was nice to go to school. Of course, it’s great to move on, but it’s also a longing feeling to leave, Oldorff says.
– I wrote a long time in math, chemistry, physics, mother tongue and English. I’ve always liked math-science subjects. The writing went just fine compared to the fact that I really invested a lot in sports as well.
Badminton has really required stakes. There will be training sessions for 13–14 weeks, in addition to which the calendar will be filled with, among other things, mental coaching, body care and competitions.
– I’ve had a good coaching team around me. We created a really good rhythm together with the school staff and I have been able to invest well in the sport, the results have been good and I have completed high school well, Oldorff opens.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was considered before leaving the army
In addition to competition, training and graduation preparations, everyday life can be completed at the Finnish Armed Forces Sports School, Guard Guards Regiment in Helsinki.
For competitors of individual species, there is a risk that development will slow down somewhat as total physical activity increases. In addition, the military determines the use of time a lot. However, Oldorff is pleased with the way the Sports School organizes things on the terms of the sport.
– Of course, you have to take care of the necessary things in the army, but you can get very good training and get to the races from there. Army personnel have the principle that if athletes pull 100 percent intimate stuff, they will fully support our sport. It encourages you to do things carefully.
The start of India coincided with the same spring that Russia invaded Ukraine.
– I thought carefully about leaving, but I decided to go there. I think it has been really smart that we have talked a lot about the situation. It’s good to talk about it openly, it will make everyone feel calmer, Oldorff says.
Oldorff also attracted investor interest
Oldorff is one of the athletes supported by the Sport Fund. It is not a matter of traditional sponsorship or publicly funded assistance to the athlete, but of placement.
The fund will invest EUR 100,000 over four years in companies set up by athletes of its choice, ie EUR 25,000 per year. In addition, the fund offers a variety of expert services to meet the needs of the athlete. In return, the athlete’s company will transfer approximately 40 percent of its company’s shares to the fund.
– Financial support is important, but I also get really professional support and an extensive network, which is important to me as an athlete. The Sport Fund has been an important partner, Oldorff says.
Oldorff’s strengths in fitness and intelligence
The badminton promise describes himself as an analytical and fairly gesturing player. He considers his performance in competitive situations to be his strength.
– I am determined and brave in the field. My playing condition is good and I don’t make terrible mistakes.
Not the one who first hits the racket to the surface of the field if frustrated?
– Yeah I’m not, Oldorff laughs.
Oldorff sees body control, mobility and strength as his development targets. Some players strive to gain a mental advantage over their opponent in various ways, which Oldorff also sees as one of his development targets.
– I’ve been a pretty gestureless player so far, I don’t even pay much attention to what’s going on there on the other side of the net. I don’t even breathe terribly. But that is something I should definitely develop. However, it’s a big part of the game that is able to be really strong mentally and pay little attention to what your opponent’s state is.
Oldorff aims to make it to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and succeed in the adult championships. He has strengths and potential, as well as a desire to work towards goals.
– I have a really good coaching team around me and I feel that I have a good attitude and motivation towards badminton. I am really looking forward to the future.
The hopes and goals for the law weekend are clear.
– It’s nice to see all the relatives and friends, they’re coming to celebrate for us. Yes, it means to me.