Jan Ø. Jørgensen is one of Europe’s absolute best men’s singles shuttler. The Dane, who is ranked number 13 in the world rankings, is considered to be Europe’s hot shot after his compatriot Peter Gade retires. We spoke to the 24 year-old about his preparations for the London Olympics.

BADMINTON EUROPE: Jan, what are your feelings considering it’s your first ever Olympics?
Jan Ø. Jørgensen: I have a good feeling. I think I have prepared in the best possible way meeting some bumps here and there but in general I feel ready and excited about my first Olympics! I actually can’t wait to get started!

BADMINTON EUROPE: What are you most looking forward to, except the badminton matches?
Jørgensen: As you say the biggest thing is going to be competing at the Olympics. I can’t wait to enter the court and get the special feeling of pressure, excitement and honor. It’s going to be awesome. But I also look forward to seeing everything and soak in all the impressions - and of course being part of the Danish setup.

BADMINTON EUROPE: You had a tough time in 2011, but your recent results were really good. What gives you the power, the motivation to achieve these results?
Jørgensen: Everything what has happened the last year has shaped me a lot. Right now, I’m moving by the sentence saying that you have to go down in order to get stronger. Qualifying and playing at the Olympics means a lot to me as you look what I’ve been through the last year.

BADMINTON EUROPE: How are your preparations for London going?
Jørgensen: Right now I have a minor problem with my leg so I have rested a bit this week. But I am exactly where I should be.  I’m in a very very good physical shape and I just need to listen to my body now and not run into injuries there the last 30 days.

BADMINTON EUROPE: If Peter Gade stops, you and at least two other players are considered to be Europe’s best men's singles. What makes you better than Zwiebler, Axelsen and Co.?
Jørgensen: I think I have more options to play on than the other guys and I think that’s what makes me the strongest! But I do think the future for Europe looks promising in men’s singles.

Thanks for the interview!

Photo by BadmintonPhoto