Comments from ParalympicsGB’s Para Badminton players after the evening session.
Jack Shephard was beaten 17-21, 14-21 by China’s Lin Naili in Group C. He plays his second group match, against Brazil’s Vitor Taveres, on Friday at 17:20 (CET).
Krysten Coombs was beaten 13-21, 21-19, 15-21 by top seed Chu Man Kai, of Hong Kong, in Group A. He plays his second group match, against Indonesia’s Subhan Subhan, on Friday at 16:40 (CET).
Name: Jack Shephard
Sport: Para badminton
Age: 27
Hometown: Chesterfield
Performance:
“That match was great, I put in a good performance. Really happy with how I played. It was not the result I wanted but there are still two more matches so I have got to keep focused, go back to the coaches, review how we played and prepare as best as we can for tomorrow’s game.”
Atmosphere:
“The atmosphere is brilliant. To be able to play in front of a crowd like that is a dream come true as well as being at the Paralympics as well as at the end of the week hopefully winning a medal. The crowd is brilliant. Thanks to all of them coming out, buying tickets, it's amazing.”
Name: Krysten Coombs
Sport: Para badminton
Age: 33
Hometown: Totnes
Takeaways:
“I’m buzzing really, just to be out here with that crowd was just amazing. The game was close and for that to be my first game out here in Paris was awesome. I’ve got another group game tomorrow and I can’t wait for that. It’s about being able to come back stronger for tomorrow and put myself into a good position to go through.”
Hopes for the competition:
“To win gold here is my dream. I’ve still got two more group games which I feel really good and confident for. I’ll go back to the village now and reset and come out tomorrow stronger and better.”
On going full-time:
“It was 2018 when we officially got our UK Sport funding. We’ve had a full qualifying year here. The support they give us, UK Sport and The National Lottery, enables us athletes to live our dreams in sport.”
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