Five years is a long time and a lot can change. A great example is Thom Gicquel, who went from 2014 European U15 Championships men’s singles bronze to 2019 European Games mixed doubles bronze. What about in another five?
In the Badminton European archives, there is a photo of a proud Thom Gicquel standing on the podium when winning that medal back in 2014. Asked if he remembers that moment, he says.
-Yes, I remember it perfectly. It was the first time that the European U15 championship and the Thomas and Uber cup were at the same time. It was good to cheer for them and see what the best level in Europe is. I didn’t realise that I was watching my future partner and coach as Ronan Labar and Baptiste Careme played, so it was a great experience.
The young French star also remembers a pivotal match during that tournament.
-My best memory was the quarterfinal against Jan Louda, I think I won 21-17 in the decider. It was so stressful because winning a European bronze medal at this time was my best achievement. A big pride.
Gicquel also sheds light on how he felt his men’s singles to settle on doubles.
-It was not entirely my decision. It was more the decision of our head coach Cristophe Jeanjean. It was tough at the beginning because I wanted the best in singles, but I was better in men’s and mixed doubles, so it was a wise decision.
The right decision
Together with his mixed doubles partner, Delphine Delrue, he has reached five finals and won two of them. They also of course grabbed that bronze medal at the European Games. As things are going well for the 21-year-old, he is happy with the decision.
-Right now, I know it was the right decision. I have better results that I ever dreamt of. I am thankful to Cristophe.
In five years after his European Games success, the Paris 2024 Olympics will be held. It will be interesting to see what can happen on French soil. There is naturally a lot of noise around this and the French players are being asked about this regularly. Commenting on this, Gicquel says.
-We already talk a lot about Paris 2024 in France in I think every interview, but it is normal. Paris 2024 means a lot. In four years from now, I hope we will be part of the best pairs in the world. It is perfect timing for us. For Delphine and me, it is the goal of our career. I dream of a medal in Paris. It will be my best pride ever and I will do everything for it.