Switzerland’s Sabrina Jaquet, 2017 European Championships bronze medallist, announces her retirement at Tokyo 2020. A fitting location for the three-time Olympian.
Sabrina Jaquet, 34, started badminton late at the age of 12 but went on to and become a regular name on the circuit. Jaquet admits that she was “not a kid that was dreaming big, like playing at the World Championships or the Olympics” – well, she has certainly outdone herself then!
Jaquet has three titles in the trophy cabinet, including a special home Swiss International in 2016. However, her biggest success came the following year in Kolding, Denmark, when she secured a bronze medal at the European Championships - the first Swiss player to feature on the podium since Liselotte Blumer who won it in 1980.
Today, after her last match in her third Olympics, she announced her retirement in the post-match interview.
-I've been struggling a week now with an ankle injury, so that showed on the court. There's no miracle in sport, I have to accept it. It wasn't a good tournament for me. This is my last tournament. I'm quitting.
Swiss longevity
Speaking with Jaquet during her pre-Olympic preparations, fellow Swiss sports stars who have been at the top of their game for a long time were discussed. They are inspiring. Roger Federer turns 40 this year and Triathlete Nicola Spirig, 39, a mother, took part in her fifth Olympics in Tokyo.
Jaquet has also been able to stay at an elite level and built a good career, so it was appropriate to target the Olympics as her final outing.
-I have to be satisfied. I wanted more than just being here. It’s sad to quit but in a way I'm relieved. I wanted to stop last year but decided to give it another year and I don't regret it. It's hard to describe my emotions now but I will be able to reflect on my career in a few weeks.
Badminton Europe wishes you all the very best in your retirement.