Canadian badminton team nominated for Rio 2016

Both athletes earned their nominations for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by accumulating world ranking points in numerous international competitions throughout the season.  Li, who currently holds the 19^th position in the world ranking (as of July 21, 2016), is the most successful Canadian female badminton player to date. She will participate in her second consecutive Olympic Games after placing fourth at London 2012 in women’s doubles with former partner Alex Bruce. She is the reigning Canadian  champion, Pan American Games champion and Commonwealth Games champion. Martin Giuffre, ranked 76^th in the world (as of July 21, 2016), has won numerous titles at national and international events such as the Pan Am Junior Championships. He is also following his career goal of studying medicine and becoming a doctor. Having qualified for Rio 2016 with impressive wins at the Trinidad and Tobago International and Jamaica International, he is determined to reach for a medal in Brazil.

Badminton is the fastest racquet sport in the world: the shuttle can reach an impressive speed of 400 km/hour during a game. And as a surprise to many, badminton is the second most played sport in the world following soccer.

The badminton competition will take place at the Riocentro Pavillon 4, August 11-20, with five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

At Rio 2016, Canada expects to field a team of approximately 314 athletes.

Badminton Canada is the national governing body of the sport of badminton in Canada. The organization’s mission is to be an innovative and highly respected sports organization that is the leader in contributing to badminton becoming the most successful racquet sport in Canada and the world by enabling Canadian athletes, coaches and officials of all ages, cultural background and skill level the opportunity to excel in badminton and in life.  For further information, please visit: www.badminton.ca.

QUOTES

“I am very proud of these athletes for their perseverance to have Canada represented in badminton this summer. It is an extremely popular sport in our country and you are an integral reason that it continues to grow. Congrats on your nomination today.”

Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission

“These Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be an outstanding platform for both our young athletes from Canada. While we witnessed dominant performances by both of them throughout this year, the depth of the competition at the Olympic Games will be a benchmark for both Michelle and Martin who will compete at the highest level of international badminton competition.”

Anil Kaul, Badminton Canada President

“Congratulations to our country’s top players as they join Team Canada today. The speed and determination of our badminton athletes will inspire our young players who look to follow in the footsteps of their Canadian heroes on courts across the country. Canada is behind you!”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

The badminton team which will represent Canada at Rio 2016 includes:

Athletes:

Coaches: