Edwin Ekiring and Badminton - A Sport of Vectors and Parabolas

Uganda's Edwin Ekiring - Africa's No. 1 ranked badminton player qualifies for his 2nd Olympics.

Since its inception as an Olympic sport in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, only 8 African countries have participated in Badminton at the Olympics and no medal; gold, silver or bronze, has been won by an African. In fact, 69 of the 76 medals won in the sport as of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been won by an athlete of Asian descent, with China having the most medal counts. But this did not stop Edwin Ekiring, the 28 year old native of Uganda from pursuing his dream to become one of Africa's best badminton players and an Olympic medalist. Well, not quite yet!

Now ranked No. 93 in the world according to the Badminton World Federation and also Africa's highest ranked badminton player, Edwin is one out of five Africans who qualified to compete in badminton at the 2012 Olympics. Just like many African boys and girls, Edwin always wanted to be a professional football player, but quickly realized he was too skinny-framed to become a pro. He switched to a surprising sport most Africans would not think about, badminton. And both have never broken up. A true love affair!
 
Badminton is a sport of vectors and parabolas. A fan favorite at the Olympic games, it is known for its fast paced excitement, chaotic footwork, agility, poise, extraordinary hand-eye coordination and power smashes from the players. The game revolves around each player's ability to move the opponent back and forth with high lofty shots, called lobs or sharply hit, perfectly aimed smashes.

Edwin has faced many challenges in his young life and the challenge to win a medal at the Olympics is just  one more. Growing up in the capital of Uganda, Kampala, Edwin watched his mother die in a car crash when he was just 10yrs old. He later moved to Germany and then Netherlands, where his career in badminton peaked. But then, in 2009, he had the misfortune of experiencing a second accident, this time, he was hit by a car while cycling home from training. Thirteen weeks passed before he could walk again and the dream of being a badminton professional seemed to have vanished.

In just a few days in London, the world would see Ekiring in steady concentration. Making fast paced reflexes. Making a connection with his racquet and the shuttlecock. Would he go bold, for gold?

Whatever it may be, Edwin Ekiring is a true sports hero, a true African hero! Bonne Chance Edwin !

 

Recovering from a car accident in 2009, Ekiring is back on top of his game.

Hardwork rewards the brave! Edwin sweats it out at the Olympic qualifiers.

Eyes set on gold. Allez !


(Photos courtesy of Africa Badminton and Radio Netherlands Worldwide)