Q&A with Lucas Mazur

France’s reigning world champion Lucas Mazur is a favourite for singles SL4 gold at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships.

Get to know the two-time European champion ahead of the Worlds, set for 21-26 November in Ulsan, South Korea.

If you were to describe yourself in a few words?

I am 19 years old, I am student in Bourges, and I am 1m93 tall. I was a victim of a stroke at 3 years old but have played sports since 6 years. I like football among other sports.

When did you begin playing badminton?

I have been playing badminton since the age of 12 and I was selected for the first time to play nationally for France in 2014.

What are some difference between Para badminton and badminton?

There has been very little in my case because I play on a classical ground. The specificities are especially for the practitioners in chair, who play on half-court and without the front part of the court, but also for the SL3 category sportsmen (major handicap of the lower limbs) who play on half-court.

Tell us about your preparations for the 2017 season.

This is a year of the World Championships, so it is necessary to stay motivated to work hard in training. One or two sessions a day, that's the secret in fact ... I practice hard but above all, I try to improve constantly. Currently I train 15 to 20 hours per week and I am very satisfied with this rhythm.

How do you balance personal life and playing at a top level?

Quite difficult I admit, because it is not easy to find time for classes and for sports, the balance is often unbalanced. My schedules change every week with university so it is not easy to plan ahead. But it is OK, I adapt!

Badminton will debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. What do you think about that? What are your short and medium term goals?

The Tokyo Paralympic Games are part of my goals, and my loved ones talk about it constantly. In the short-term, the World Championships 2017, 2019 will be extremely important for the Tokyo Games, they will "announce the colour." For long-term, I would say that it is to be present over time, to be able to make four or five Paralympiads but that only my body will tell me.

What is your state of mind before a match?

I'm focused on what I have to do, I think a lot, I listen to music. Being well on the pre-game is paramount for entry into the competition.

What is your best memory in a competition?

The final of the 2015 World Championships with my silver medal in England without hesitation! There was a very different atmosphere from the other competitions that day. I was in my bubble, and my hard work and perseverance finally paid.

You were elected best player in the world by the BWF in 2016, the best European player in 2017, what does that mean to you?

The recognition of an exceptional year 2016, which was the best of my young career!

The complete interview with Lucas Mazer can be found on NPC France’s website.