For most players, to make your mark on the elite European level after moving up from the juniors may take some time. However, Thom Gicquel is not like most players. 

Gicquel, 21, one of France’s top upcoming stars, went from winning the European Junior Championships gold on home soil in 2017, partnering Toma Junior Popov in the men’s doubles, to winning a medal at the European Games just two years later. Gicquel, partnering Delphine Delrue in the mixed doubles, travelled to Minsk last year to pick up a bronze medal for their country. 

With this great form also seen on the circuit, Gicquel and Delrue have broken into the world’s top 16, and currently sit at 15. Many eyes are on the pair at the moment, talking about how he feels about his progress, Gicquel says. 

- Yes, since the start of the Olympic qualification we improved a lot with good results, and we reach 15 quite quickly. We are still young, so we can hope to continue to improve and reach the top level. We have a lot of work before being number one in Europe, but this is the goal and we believe in it.

We are seeing the beginning of a kind of badminton renaissance in France, with many young talents rising on the European and world stage. With this comes an expectation to perform, Gicquel reacts to this by stating.  

- It is nice to hear it. But there is a big step between expectation and success, so we have to stay humble and keep working hard.

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Good friends

Gicquel has been focusing on mixed doubles during the ongoing road to Tokyo, however, men’s doubles has seen him reach 50 in the world in 2019 with the experienced Ronan Labar. Asking whether it is possible for him to reach an elite level in two categories, he answers. 

- I think it is possible to be at the top level in two categories. But right now, I am focusing on mixed and it is working well, so I will continue like that until Tokyo 2021. After that I do not know, I like to play doubles and I think I can do good things as well, so we will speak with the coaches to take the right decision.

Lastly, fans often believe that doubles partners are best friends. It is not always the case. Speaking about his relationship with his mixed partner Delrue, he says.

- Delphine and I are good friends. We know each other since a long time, and we lived a lot of good moments together. We have a really good relationship.