For Kai Schäfer, it has been a tough last year. He spoke to Badminton Europe about his 2018, as well as about his plans, goals and wishes for 2019.
17 – That is the number of tournaments in 2018 that Kai Schäfer was participating in.
The biggest success of the German: winning Bronze at the European Men’s Team Championships in February and achieving the title in Men’s Singles at the Polish International in September.
But in general, it has been a tough last year for the German Men’s Singles player.
- To be honest, 2018 was a disappointing year for me. I had a good start from the beginning of the year until the end of February. But then, I had a bad period until summer, which is related to private reasons, Schäfer revealed to Badminton Europe.
- Afterwards, I was developing quite well. I succeeded at the Polish International. But then, I got sick for the whole month of October, he added.
- Since then, I have realised that I need time to be fit again, which is actually very tough for me. But I am making progress from week to week.
New Year’s resolutions
Schäfer is 25 years old. He began to play badminton as a nine-years-old and made his senior level debut in 2009. Today, the German is currently world-ranked number 107 in Men’s Singles.
See the current world rankings here
As well as practising at the National Training Centre in Mulheim, Germany, Schäfer is also studying. For 2019, he has specific goals.
- In general, I am not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I aim to finish my bachelor’s degree in summer, Schäfer said.
- If I would have a wish for the upcoming year, it would be to go through the year without injuries and to be fit and healthy.