Carolina Marin is currently number 30 in the BWF world rankings and the best female shuttler from her country Spain. With her 19 years, Carolina is probably Europe’s most promising talent in the women’s singles category.

Recently, she reached the semi-finals of the 2012 Spanish International and at the 2012 European Championships in Sweden she moved into the last 16 only losing in a thriller to the eventual champion Tine Baun of Denmark. We spoke to the 19-year-old from Madrid in a short interview about victories, barriers and she reveals to us who she finds inspiring.

BADMINTON EUROPE: Carolina, when did you start playing badminton?
Carolina Marin: I started playing badminton when I was 8 years old.
 
BADMINTON EUROPE: What have been the greatest barriers and victories for you until now?
Marin: I don’t have barriers in my career because when I lost any of my matches I would always try to learn about those defeats. My best victory was when I got the gold medal at the European Junior Championships in Vantaa, Finland.

BADMINTON EUROPE: What made you persevere when you lost?
Marin: When I lose I always try to analyze my match and remind myself what have been my mistakes during the match. I also watch the matches at my laptop.
 
BADMINTON EUROPE: What is your next ambition to achieve?
Marin: This season, I try to go up on the world rankings and get more experience at the big tournaments.
 
BADMINTON EUROPE: What are you like off court, in ordinary life, what do you like to do when you are free from tournaments?
Marin: I always like to stay with my friends, go out with them, laugh, rest and sleep...
 
BADMINTON EUROPE: Do you have any recommendation to other young girls’ players on how to achieve your very personal goal?
Marin: My coach always tells me that I have to practice hard every day - because if you have daily tough practice you can also reach the same level at tournaments. I think the goal is you must effort every day for what you want.
 
BADMINTON EUROPE: Which other female athletes inspire you?
Marin: I don’t have any female athletes who inspire me but I always pay attention on Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal. I guess he is my best inspiration because I like his character.
 
Thanks for the interview!

Photo by BadmintonPhoto.