Maxime Moreels, the best men’s singles player from Belgium and currently ranked as number 97 on the world ranking, started 2020 out with winning a silver medal at the Fajr Badminton International Challenge in Iran. 

Moreels has been “living on the edge” of the Olympic qualification, where he was fighting for a spot at the Olympics in Tokyo. Commenting on how the past 12 months has been mentally, he says. 

- Indeed, there have been difficult times, especially at the beginning of the qualification. After that, I tried just to focus on each match at a time and to avoid looking too much at the list. I'm grateful I could always count on the support of my family, my federation and friends on the circuit.

The current situation is of course hard for everyone, and a lot of players still cannot go to the practice halls and have normal badminton training. This is no different for the Belgian player.

- At the moment, due to the Covid-19 situation, I'm working more on my physical fitness either at home or alone at the gym. 

- We will see how things will turn out, but no matter what I will fight until the end to secure an Olympic spot.

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The Olympics

Talking about the biggest dream of his, it is no surprise that the Olympic Games are mentioned, but that is not the only thing the Belgian player dreams about. 

- My biggest dream is for sure making it to Olympics, but I also want badminton to be more developed in Belgium and more attractive to the media. 

Moreels is only 28 years old and in the top 100 in the world. Asking if Paris 2024 would be something he would give a shot, he says.

- Actually, I just planned until Tokyo. After that, I will see if I can still find a financial balance to continue playing. I still enjoy playing and travelling so much so let's see what future brings.