Elliott to give his all in China
“Since I was a young boy, every time I heard the national anthem, it gave me goosebumps.”
Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) player and African doubles champion Jarred Elliott is honoured to represent SA and understands it comes with great responsibility as he, and the South African contingent going to the World Student Games in China, carries the hopes and expectations of the nation on their shoulders.
“Being selected to represent the country, in any event, is an amazing opportunity. What makes this more special is the selected number were few, but I am still among the chosen,” he said.
The North West University student will travel to China later this month as one of only two badminton players selected, along with his doubles partner, Robert Summers. Deidrè Jordaan will be their manager and coach.
“These two people I’m travelling with, I know them like the back of my hand… through countless hours of training and hard work.
“Our preparations were tough, but getting up and pushing makes you the best.”
Elliott has represented SA many times and said he was again privileged to be a flag-bearer and would give his all in the competition.
“Robert and I strive for the best every time we step on the court. We are always willing to sacrifice everything. That is what the nation can expect from us,” he said.
He said he sacrificed a lot to be where he is today and will focus on carrying the country across the line in the 31st edition of the games in Chengdu, western China.
“Since I was a young boy, every time I heard the national anthem, it gave me goosebumps. When Robert and I won our All-Africa Games gold medal, we stood at the top of the podium while the anthem played. It was like a dream,” he said.
Road to Paris (RTP) programme
Elliott’s ultimate goal is the Olympic Games in France next year, and he had to make many sacrifices to keep his dream alive.
“It’s something I’ve been striving for. I endured astronomical sacrifices and injuries, but it will all be worth it.
“I need to convince myself that all the pain and suffering will be worth it and that I can make everyone who believes in me proud.”
He and Summers are part of the Road to Paris (RTP) programme. They must attend several African and international tournaments to boost their Badminton World Federation world rankings.
They must be ranked first on the continent and be in the top 50 in the world to qualify for the games in Paris.
“The RTP is going well. It’s a crazy and tough journey because sometimes we achieve points, other times we don’t. But what’s important is to keep trying,” he said.
Also Read: EGBA members off to world student games
Also Read: All Africa Championships: Doubles teams win gold for SA
