Czech Republic’s young talent of Tereza Švábíková told us last month that we will see her among the top European badminton players. Is she right? 

In order to make continued progress, Švábíková, 19, has travelled to various countries in search of good practice. She explains where she has settled at the moment. 

- Lately, I have been mainly practising in Denmark together with my coach Jørgen, but at the moment I am back home in the Czech Republic. The situation is difficult, but I am trying to get the most out of it. I have a small home gym which I use to prepare now, and I am finding some time for school too.

Švábíková, like many players her age, are quite active on social media, sharing how happy they are in their lives. Discussing what the best part of being Tereza Švábíková, she says.

- I really like my badminton life, and I am trying to stay positive and happy most of the time.

Read: Tereza Švábíková: You will see me among the top European badminton players

Not giving up

As well as travelling to different countries for practice, Švábíková travels far and wide for her tournaments. In 2019, she was runner-up at the Suriname International in women’s singles, and also got to the women’s doubles final of the Carebaco International, which was in Barbados this year, with partner Kateřina Tomalová. How does she fund it all?

- Last year I have been travelling a lot. As a multiple national champion in women’s singles, it is a bit easier to get some money and during this Olympic season, I have been getting the money from my sponsors, family, region, city, and our federation.

All this effort is designed to get her closer to the Olympic dream. For the Czech youngster, despite some hurdles along the way, is the dream still on?

- For most of the qualification I have been playing injured, but I didn’t want to give it up. The chances are not the greatest now, but if there will be a possibility I will fight till the end.