Player's Log>>

The silver lining

By David Trinh

It has been over two years since I first joined Seneca College’s Varsity Badminton Team. Under the leadership of Coach Harvey Quan, I made my debut in the college circuit in the men’s doubles competition. Despite the intense training held three times a week along with my own training outside the college, it wasn’t enough to achieve the gold medal. In subsequent seasons, led by Coach Nouri Ghazi, I tried my luck with mixed doubles only to find I hit the same dead end.

What was I doing wrong? What could I have done better? Why couldn’t I win even though I put in my 110 per cent?

Competing in doubles can be very challenging, especially if your partner may not be as skillful or strong in the sport. One may ask, “Why don’t you just play with someone stronger?” Although this is a possibility, there are other factors that are more important to me than just winning. Commitment, dedication, persistence, drive and motivation are some of the many factors I consider.

During my second year on the team, I had a choice between partnering with three different players. A couple of them were very skilled and could have resulted in my winning a gold medal. However, I knew that ultimately attitude and teamwork were more important attributes, which I could see clearly in the partner I eventually teamed with. You could say I chose commitment and dedication over the gold. For me, it was the right decision.

This situation reminded me of the time I competed for my elementary school’s volleyball team. Despite arriving on time and giving my 110 per cent during practices, my dedication to the team left me on the bench the entire season. Although we did end up winning the championships, I wanted no part of the celebration, as I felt unfairly treated.

With this scar still in my heart, I want to make sure that others who put in 110 per cent are not treated unfairly, even if losing is inevitable. Don’t get me wrong, losing isn’t something I enjoy in the sport of badminton; however, if teamwork and team spirit is not evident in the partnership, I’d rather lose the match than lose the opportunity to work with a fully committed partner.