For this week’s episode, we talk with the English and Team GB men’s doubles star to hear how to overcome obstacles, making it through tough times, and thinking about calling it a day.
Together with his men’s doubles partner Marcus Ellis, Chris Langridge made it to the semifinals at the 2021 European Championships to win bronze — their second in the tournament — and it is here where we decided to catch up with the 36-year-old player to hear what he had to say about the current situation of badminton and about his career.
Focusing on overcoming difficulties
There have been many changes in the world of badminton during Langridge’s career, and he has had to keep up and adapt to the game. In the same way, he has felt the pressure of all the COVID-19 restrictions. The pandemic has made him rethink many aspects of his career, reconsidering his focus and adjusting to the different regulations in place that have affected not just him on a national level in the UK, but he also recognises the struggles of the Asian players.
There have been difficult times in recent months, and Langridge recalls even tougher times in the past where he doubted himself and had to face touring with no funding. The English player knows one thing though, and it is that difficult times make you stronger. He looks back on everything he has achieved knowing that he can be pleased, and it is this positive outlook despite the hardships that he has faced that takes over his thoughts in this episode.
-When you get a few knock-backs or a few obstacles in your way, you have to think outside the box. I think I definitely came back from some of those when I was younger.