Martin Giuffre

Biography

Martin Giuffre enjoyed an outstanding five-year varsity career while representing the Western University Mustangs. From 2009-10 to 2013-14 he was named OUA MVP for men’s badminton five straight times, following up his OUA badminton rookie of the year award in 2009-10. He also won five OUA singles titles as well as three college-university national singles titles, to go with national titles in men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and overall team. In his final year of university eligibility, he and his sisters Christina and Adrianna all contributed to Western’s OUA team championship. The trio had also been teammates at the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax where he won silver in the men’s singles event. He and Adrianna went on to be teammates at the 2013 Universiade. The 2008 Pan American junior champion, Giuffre competed at his first senior world championships in 2015. After defeating an opponent ranked more than 50 places higher, he ran into world number four and eventual bronze medallist Kento Momota of Japan in the second round. In 2014 he helped Canada win gold at the Pan American Team Championships. Giuffre made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016.

Getting to know…

Family: Parents Michael and Heather Giuffre… Younger sisters Christina and Adrianna were both varsity badminton players at Western University… Younger brothers Anthony (ironman triathlon competitor) and Stephen… Getting into the Sport: Started playing badminton at age 6 at the Glencoe Club which always had competitive programs… When he was younger the National Training Centre was based at the club; playing and training with the best in Canada inspired him to keep challenging himself… Outside Interests: Graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Specialization in Kinesiology… One half of the musical duo Far Out… Enjoys reading, watching and playing other sports, going to the cottage… Odds and Ends: Favourite quote: “Never say never, because limits, like fear, are often just an illusion” – Michael Jordan… Inspired by Roger Federer and former badminton world number one Peter Gade because they define what it means to be a professional on and off the court; loves their playing style and sportsmanship… Travels with his training and tournament journal…