Episode 7 of BEC Podcast is coming your way in audio and motion pictures on Tuesday 23 January. The mixed doubles bronze medalists from France, Ronan Labar and Audrey Fontaine are the guests of this episode and the topics are their way to bronze medal glory in 2017 and the upcoming European Championships in 2018.
As the 5th French medal at an individual European Championship event, Labar and Audrey’s achievement is inspiring to the French badminton community and in the daily training environment.
- I think that right now we are quite many mixed pairs in France with a good level. And I think that the fact that we got the medal last year, shows everyone and all the young ones that they are able to do it too, Labar said in the podcast.
- They beat us in practice sometimes, so everyone is pushing because of this result.
First mixed doubles medal
The other medalists from France are Pi Hongyuan, with two women’s singles silver in 2004, bronze medals in 2008 and 2010, and Erwin Kehlhoffner and Svetoslav Stoyanov’s bronze medal in men’s doubles. The medal from 2017 by Labar and Fontaine were therefore the first for the French federation in mixed doubles.
- I think that nobody expected us to win that medal, Fontaine explained about the attention they experienced after the medal.
- It is also quite good for us because now we can feel that they know they can beat us and they really want to do it, so it is also pushing us every day at practice, Labar stated.
Who wins medals in Huelva?
For the upcoming European Championships in Huelva, Spain, the mixed doubles event looks to be a very intriguing one. Mark Phelan asked the French duo to come with their predictions.
- For me the easiest answer is the Adcocks.But there is also the two maybe three Danish teams, Labar said and continued.
- Mathias Christiansen and Christinna Pedersen are probably going to be very dangerous at the Europeans. There is also the comeback of Niclas Nøhr after his injury, Labar said but stated that despite these pairs he saw the event quite open.