Georges Julien Paul, 28, was the only African representative in the men’s singles badminton tournament at the Tokyo Games. Three years later, after a serious injury and serious hesitation, the Mauritian hopes to relive the Olympic adventure in France, the country where he now trains. Encounter.
4 mins
From our special correspondent in Accra,
“ If I’m still here, it’s really thanks to the support of my family and the love I have for badminton. » Julien Paul, multi-medalist at the African Championships, is barely sweating as he has just finished his first match at the African Games, this March 7, 2024 in Accra. A victory without torment against the Burkinabè Abdoul Fatao Tapsoba, in the second round of the men’s singles tournament. Serenity which contrasts with the doubts which assailed the Mauritian at the end of 2021. “ I had a big injury, a torn Achilles tendonhe says. There, it was really a question mark in my career because either I came back with goals to achieve, or I stopped badminton. Finally, I set myself a new challenge and I really want to be in Paris “.
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However, with his first participation in the Olympic Games, Julien Paul had achieved his holy grail: competing in the Olympics. But his experience in Tokyo, without spectators – Covid-19 obliges – left him wanting more. “ To be honest, it ruined the fun because I still played big events like the Commonwealthhe emphasizes. It makes a big difference to go to stadiums without any audience like in Tokyo, to not even be able to see the other disciplines. It was a bit complicated. We were really imprisoned in the village or the gymnasium, without being able to have any interaction with anyone.. It was a special situation. But, in truth, it was also an unforgettable moment for me, these first Games “. This is evidenced by the Olympic rings that the 28-year-old had tattooed behind his right arm.
In 2022, to prepare for his new challenge, the native of Curepipe decided to leave Mauritius for Ile-de-France and a club in the commune of Boulogne-Billancourt where he rubs shoulders with his compatriot, Kate Foo Kune, she also an Olympian. “ In Mauritius, badminton is in the sporting culturesays Julien Paul. It is one of the oldest sports practiced and in which we have results. My country is one of the smallest countries in Africa. But, despite everything, we managed to make continental podiums on several occasions “. The person concerned, however, puts things into perspective: “ There is still a limit to the level that we can reach because there are fewer players of excellence, there are no clubs like we can find in France or in other European countries. . »
It is also difficult to compete with Asian nations – China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, etc. – who dominate international competitions, such as the World Championships or the Olympics. “ During African competitions, we already see ourselves playing the semi-finals, finalsexplains the man who does not consider himself a star at the continental level. During European tournaments, we lose in the first round and we take a beating. It’s a return to reality “.
Financially, Julien Paul can however count on the financial support of his French club, the African Badminton Confederation, and that of his Mauritian sponsors to travel across the planet, such as in Accra. “ For the moment, I am first in the race for Olympic qualification, at the African level. [1]. The advantage is that for these Olympics, there are two places for African countries unlike the previous ones. So it’s slightly easier to qualify. But I think it will play out during these Games », estimates the man who is at the crossroads, between his studies in management and marketing and his sporting career. “ Being far from the field is hardhe concludes. And as soon as we come back to it, we enjoy it again. It is an infinite love. »
[1] The two African players having collected the most points between May 1, 2023 and April 28, 2024 will qualify for Paris 2024, provided that they are ranked among the 250 best players in the world over this reference period.