Anne Tran spoke to Badminton Europe about her personal ambitions and revealed that the 2020 Olympics might be the last ones for her and Emilie Lefel in the Women’s Doubles, as Lefel is most likely retiring next year.
Representing the French national team, Anne Tran and Emilie Lefel have been playing together since almost three years now.
- The partnership with Emilie is going well. We had ups and downs, but we managed all difficulties as a pair and as friends, Tran told Badminton Europe.
Eight tournaments in five months
This year, the European Championships silver medallists from 2018 have already played eight international tournaments together.
At the beginning of this month, Tran and Lefel have traveled to the other side of the world to participate in the Brazil International Challenge, where they became the runner-ups of the event.
- We got off with a reasonable start this year. We also had some good matches at the Barcelona Spain Masters and the All England, Tran said.
A strong fight against the world's number two
At the most prestigious tournament in Europe this year, the All England Open, the French Women's Doubles pair showed strong performances on court.
Even though they have been knocked out in the round of 16, they were fighting in the match against the current number two pair in the world, Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota (JPN). After 61 minutes, they lost in three-games.
Anne Tran and Emilie Lefel at the All England Open 2019 (Credit: Badminton Photo)
Last Olympics for Tran/Lefel?
Looking towards the upcoming tournaments this year, Tran revealed her as well as Lefel's ambitions.
- Our main goal, this year, is to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, she said.
The 23-year-old Tran and the 30-year old Lefel have both never competed in the Olympic Games. The upcoming ones might be the last chance for the pair to participate in the biggest multi-sport event in the world.
- Emilie will probably stop after Tokyo, so it is her ultimate goal as an athlete, Tran stated.
- I also aim to qualify for the Olympics in Paris – I want to win a medal at home. It is my main goal to play at the Olympics in front of my family, friends and the French people, she added.