Sunday, 22 Dec 2024

Badminton Pan America

Beiwen Zhang: The Independent Player Making Waves in Elite Badminton

In the world of elite badminton, where players are supported by entourages consisting of personal coaches, physios, masseurs, and nutritionists, there are very few who travel and compete as independent players. Beiwen Zhang is one such player, defying the odds and proving that determination and ability can make all the difference.

Despite not having the resources to afford a full entourage, Zhang has managed to achieve a top 15 ranking, a testament to her perseverance. In her first tournament since March, at the DANISA Denmark Open in October, Zhang put up an impressive fight in the quarterfinals against Carolina Marin. This performance is even more remarkable considering that Zhang had to coach juniors during the pandemic to sustain her funding.

So, how does Zhang manage to remain at the top of her game without a traveling coach? She acknowledges the usefulness of having a coach who can assist with various aspects of the game, such as feeding shuttles, motivation, and skills. However, she also emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit. Sometimes, a coach’s presence can be distracting, and Zhang values the ability to trust her own instincts on the court.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

Interestingly, while Zhang herself is comfortable with not having a traveling coach, she has been coaching young players. Through coaching, she has found that it not only helps her mentally but also allows her to learn from the juniors’ recurring problems. Unlike adult players, juniors need constant reminding and guidance.

During the pandemic, when training became challenging, Zhang adapted to the circumstances. She trained for just one hour a day, with limited access to the gym. And even though wearing a mask while training is not ideal, Zhang found ways to do cardio outside. She is no stranger to adapting to difficult situations, having experienced periods of limited training facilities in the past due to a lack of sponsors.

Zhang’s ultimate goal is to train and play with higher-level players to push her limits and improve her game. She believes that playing with slower players may hinder her mental growth and ability to perform at her best. With consistent training and exposure to faster-paced matches, Zhang hopes to achieve greater consistency in her game.

In conclusion, Beiwen Zhang’s journey as an independent player in the world of elite badminton is both inspiring and commendable. Despite the challenges she faces, she has managed to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her determination, adaptability, and passion for the sport serve as an example to aspiring badminton players everywhere.

FAQs

Q: How does Beiwen Zhang manage to compete as an independent player without a traveling coach?
A: Zhang acknowledges the usefulness of having a coach but emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit. While a coach can offer various forms of support, sometimes their presence can be distracting. Zhang values her ability to trust her instincts on the court.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF Olympics

Q: How did Beiwen Zhang train during the pandemic?
A: During the pandemic, Zhang trained for one hour a day, with limited access to the gym. She adapted to the circumstances by finding alternatives, such as doing cardio outside. Despite the challenges, Zhang remains resilient and committed to the sport.

Q: Why does Beiwen Zhang coach young players?
A: Coaching young players not only helps Zhang mentally but also allows her to learn from their recurring problems. Unlike adult players, juniors require consistent guidance and reminders.

Summary

Beiwen Zhang, an independent badminton player, has defied the odds and achieved a top 15 ranking in the world of elite badminton. Despite not having a traveling coach, Zhang has showcased her ability and determination in various tournaments. She acknowledges the usefulness of having a coach but values the freedom to trust her instincts on the court. Zhang has also been coaching young players, which has provided her with valuable insights. During the pandemic, she adapted to training limitations and focused on maintaining her fitness. Zhang’s ultimate goal is to play and train with higher-level players to push her limits and achieve greater consistency in her game. Her story serves as an inspiration to any aspiring badminton player looking to overcome obstacles and succeed in the sport.

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