Welsh player Jordan Hart is fighting hard every day to reach her potential, and she has her eyes on the biggest tournaments.

Coming from Wales, it can be difficult to live the life of a professional badminton player. Jordan Hart, 25, is currently living in England, but she travels the world to fulfil her dream: To reach her potential and to play at the biggest events.

2019 was a great year for the women’s singles player. Last year Hart won the Polish International, Latvia International, Giraldilla 2019, Jamaica International and Carebaco International, and in 2020 she already reached a semifinal at the Jamaica International.

Team GB not Team Wales
Taking part in the Olympic qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Hart knows that it is not easy to win tournaments during the qualification year, but yet she managed. But in the big picture, it is not the Tokyo Games, which is the focus.
 
- I think that it is only right to have Paris 2024 as the ultimate target although I understand that a lot of things can happen in a four-year cycle. Getting a good world ranking and enjoying the challenge of competing is key to my success as I think a happy player is a motivated player, Hart stated.

Representing Wales also means that Hart will be fighting against not only players around the world for a spot at the Olympic Games, but she also has to finish above players from Scotland and England to claim a Team GB spot in Paris.

Being asked if she preferred to represent Wales and not Team Great Britain the answer is clear:

- This is not something that is in my control so I cannot really worry about stuff like that. The only thing I can do really is train as hard as possible to climb the world rankings, Hart stated.

Birmingham 2022
In July 2022, the Commonwealth Games kicks off in the All England hosting city of Birmingham and having eyes on Paris 2024 does not mean that Hart, who is currently ranked 75 in the world, does not have the 2022 Games on her list.

- Commonwealth Games is a very prestigious event for Wales as I’m sure it is for other Commonwealth countries. Being held in Birmingham as well means lots of my family and friends would be able to watch which would be amazing, Hart said.

- In order for me to be selected, I have to make criteria so it’s not just a given that being number one in Wales means automatic participation. This event is a high priority for me, and I am determined to get to Birmingham. 

Jordan Hart made her international debut at Welsh International back in 2009.