In this article, we get to know Lauren Smith, the English doubles player, a little better as she tells us about her best badminton memory, her favourite player of all time and her phobia.
How did you start playing badminton?
- I started playing when I was seven, both my parents played so I went to the club with them. The other members of the club were like family because I had known them from being a child.
What do you do in your spare time when you are not in the badminton hall or at the gym?
- Marcus and I have a dog called Luna, so we love finding nice walks to go with her, I also enjoy cooking and going to coffee shops.
What is your best badminton memory and why?
- My best badminton memory is winning the Thailand Super 300, having lost in multiple 300 finals it was amazing to not just win but put in a great performance together throughout the tournament.
If you could choose one player to play doubles with, who would it be and why?
- I would play with Nova Widianto, he was an incredible player but looked like he really enjoyed the game too.
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What was your big goal as a 15-year-old? Why?
- As a 15-year-old I really wanted to go to an Olympics, I always loved watching the event when I was growing up. I found it incredibly inspiring and love how the country came together during the games. I did achieve this goal in 2016.
What is your big goal now?
- My goal now is to qualify for Tokyo 2020, there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, so I am keeping my focus and working on improving so that I am in the best form possible to finish the qualifying.
When you are at tournaments, what do you like to do when you are not playing matches or warming up?
- I love sightseeing but don’t usually have time for this, I am often prioritising recovery/preparation at an event. I do feel lucky that I have been able to travel to so many countries and experience different cultures.
Who is your favourite player of all time and why?
- Hendra Setiawan, I love his composure on court, and he is so humble even when his achievements are mind-bogglingly amazing
If you weren’t playing badminton, what would you be doing then?
- I would love to open my own coffee shop, if not that, I find sports media interesting.
A fun fact about yourself
- I have a ‘phobia’ of bananas! They’re the worst!
Who has been your biggest support in your career?
- My family, they put so much energy and time into giving me opportunities to compete and train when I was younger, and they give me so much support to this day.