Abian and Cordon's Olympic Badminton Journey: A Tale of Enduring Passion
Ashley
Mon Jul 29 2024
As Pablo Abian faced Viren Nettasinghe and Kevin Cordon clashed with Lakshya Sen in their opening matches at Paris 2024, the contrasting experiences highlighted the longevity of their Olympic careers. Both Abian and Cordon, seasoned veterans in the world of badminton, are participating in their 5th Olympics, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the sport.
Abian and Cordon have been stalwarts at the Olympic Games, showcasing their prowess and dedication over the years. The Paris 2024 Olympics mark their fifth appearance on badminton's grandest stage, underscoring their durability in a sport that demands both physical and mental strength. Despite his disappointment in losing to Sen in the opening match, Cordon expressed pride in representing his country and cherishing the honor of Olympic participation.
What has kept Cordon persevering for so long? His love for badminton shines through: "I love badminton, that's the main reason. I just enjoy playing. And I want to represent my country as a professional athlete. It's one of the best feelings to come back — you train for 4 years, and this is a big achievement to be here, and that's why I'm happy and trying to enjoy myself," Cordon shared.
In their previous Olympic campaigns, both Cordon and Abian have displayed formidable skills. Cordon's impressive record includes reaching the Round of 16 at London 2012 and a remarkable performance at Tokyo 2020. Abian, too, has had standout moments, with 3 wins out of 7 matches. Ahead of Paris 2024, Abian approached the event with a fresh perspective, emphasizing his motivation and readiness to surpass the group stage.
Similarly to Cordon's emphasis on daily training, Abian has woven his longevity in the sport through daily habits: "What's really important is to keep the desire to train and improve every day, always ready to compete to better yourself. The Olympics are the best thing an athlete can aim for, and that brings more motivation. Facing daily doubles training sessions is often the toughest part, and then there are the tournaments. But the Olympics are above all, and that helps you find the extra motivation on challenging days."
As Abian and Cordon continue to inspire with their enduring passion for badminton, their journey exemplifies resilience and dedication in pursuing athletic excellence. Their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the sport serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Olympic competition.