European Games gold medallist, Marcus Ellis, is getting ready for a big year ahead and it is all systems go for the foreseeable future.
Around this time four years ago, Ellis was making his last preparations before going onto win bronze in the men’s doubles at the Rio 2016 Olympics with Chris Langridge. In Tokyo next year, he will be again be fighting for medals to bring back with Team GB. Ellis, 30, will be 34 come Paris 2024, an Olympics on European soil. Asking Ellis about this, he says.
-I have not thought about Paris 2024 yet. I do not feel my body slowing down so would love to be there, but I have learned things can change very quickly in our sport. I love playing and competing so will carry on for as long as I possibly can.
This is great news for fans, as it seems that Ellis will continue to entertain on court until his body will tell him otherwise. Some players have a plan of calling it a day after a certain major tournament, but for Ellis, he adds.
- There is no specific time to say this is the right time or age to retire and it will be different for everyone I am sure. For as long as I feel I can better what I have done and keep moving forward, I will! I am very happy with my career so far and would not change a thing!
You never know
Ellis has already experienced a great amount during his career, reaching significant heights in both men’s and mixed doubles. When discussing possible paths for him post-career, Ellis states.
- For life after badminton, there is no plan yet. It is great if some players know what they want to do but for me, badminton is all I have known my whole adult life and figuring out any new goals and careers will take time. My thoughts now are that it would be a shame to turn my back completely on the sport that has shaped who I am. I do think the most exciting thing about life is you never know what is coming next, so I am completely okay with having minimal plans.