It’s not every day that we witness a Paralympian competing in different sports, let alone in different seasons. Cynthia Mathez of Switzerland has achieved something truly extraordinary by competing in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games within a span of six months. This remarkable feat has etched her name in history, and her journey deserves to be celebrated.
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A Journey Like No Other
Cynthia Mathez, the 2018 European champion, received a phone call in November last year from the Swiss Paralympic Committee. They asked her if she would like to be on the reserve list for the Winter Paralympics in Beijing 2022. This marked the beginning of an exceptional year for Mathez, which also included her runner-up finish at the Para Badminton World Championships 2022.
Mathez had made her Paralympic debut in wheelchair badminton at Tokyo 2020, competing in both women’s singles and doubles. Little did she know that her journey would take her to China to represent Switzerland in curling, thus becoming one of the few Paralympians to excel in two distinct sports.
Embracing New Challenges
Admitting that competing in curling had its own set of challenges, Mathez shared her experience with us. She had played wheelchair curling with friends for fun in the past, but this was different. Last year, she participated in small curling tournaments in Switzerland, but she was unsure of her international level. The pressure was high, but Mathez took it upon herself to learn and adapt to the complexities of curling strategy.
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Competing at the Summer Games in Tokyo gave Mathez the necessary preparation for her journey to Beijing. It provided her with valuable insights and a taste of the incredible experience that awaited her. Returning to the Athletes Village and being part of the team once again filled her with a sense of joy and amazement. Mathez reflects, “The whole thing was an unbelievable experience, and I’m so glad I did it.”
A Medley of Achievements
Despite finishing last in the medal standings during the Winter Games, Mathez cherished every moment of her journey. However, it was in Tokyo, at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships, where she truly felt her goals were accomplished. Mathez received a well-deserved silver medal in the WH1 women’s singles final, losing only to the formidable Sarina Satomi.
Ending 2022 in second place at the World Championships was an extraordinary achievement for Mathez. She had worked tirelessly throughout the year, earning several other silver medals and a gold in WH1-2 women’s doubles at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International in Dublin, Ireland, held in July. Her dedication and determination paid off, propelling her towards even more ambitious goals.
Looking Ahead
With her eyes set on the future, Mathez has clear aspirations for the upcoming season. She aims to stand on the podium at the European Championships in both singles and doubles events. Her ultimate target is to accumulate as many points as possible to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Mathez’s journey is far from over, and we can expect her to continue inspiring us with her remarkable performances.
FAQs
Q: Which sports did Cynthia Mathez compete in at the Paralympic Games?
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A: Cynthia Mathez competed in wheelchair badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and then represented Switzerland in curling at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games.
Q: How did Cynthia Mathez prepare for her participation in curling at the Winter Paralympics?
A: Mathez had played wheelchair curling with friends for fun in the past but had limited international experience. She participated in small curling tournaments in Switzerland the previous year to better understand her level of play and underwent intensive training to grasp the complexities of curling strategy.
Q: What are Cynthia Mathez’s goals for the future?
A: Mathez aims to secure a podium finish at the European Championships in both singles and doubles events. Her ultimate goal is to accumulate enough points to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Conclusion
Cynthia Mathez’s journey through the Paralympic Games is nothing short of remarkable. She has showcased her exceptional talent and determination in both wheelchair badminton and curling. Mathez’s achievements at the World Championships and her unwavering focus on future goals demonstrate her passion for excellence. As we eagerly anticipate her future performances, let us celebrate her indomitable spirit and the inspiration she brings to the world of Paralympic sports.
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Danh mục: Tin tức
