After a multitude of partners, Cheryl Seinen has settled with Selena Piek to be the top women’s doubles pair in the Netherlands and conquered Europe with the European Games gold, but what about her mixed doubles? 

Seinen, 24, is, funnily enough, ranked 24 in the world at the moment in women’s doubles. Climbing the leaderboard in this category, we have not seen her play mixed that much of the past few years. Explaining this, she says. 

- Indeed, it is because we had a switch of partners. Jacco Arrends and I were not high enough in the ranking to play the same tournaments as some of them are without qualification. So, we decided to focus on doubles as it would be a tough qualification period with a lot of tournaments already in the Olympic year.

Read: Cheryl Seinen: I was quite surprised that I was chosen

Train safe

Seinen says she is keen to play mixed in the near future but is anxious about how it will be looking post-COVID-19. 

- Now everything is a little strange as the virus is still around the world. But we heard we can start practising next week but of course with rules (1.5m distance). They are planning to make this work so we can have some training. But the most important now is to get this virus out of the world so everyone can train safe and the preparation for the Olympic games can start. 

With all things hopefully getting back to normal soon, Seinen confirms her only focus in badminton is the big prize.

- Of course, it is to get the Olympic Games. Although, only participation is not enough, for sure the first step is to get at the Olympic Games!