Pit Seng Low from Sydney, Australia is on the Road to Rio and is aiming for the 2016 Olympic Games. His goal is to represent Australia and it would be a dream come true to bring back a medal. MAKEACHAMP interviewed him recently and these are the answers that he had for us.
Q1) What made you start the sport you are currently training in?
I was initially playing tennis regularly before I started Badminton. My aunt introduced us to Badminton and took us to play. Soon after, I fell in love with the intensity of the game and the physicality it required. I remember being sore for almost a week after the first day I played.
Q2) What are the greatest challenges you face in your sport? mentally and physically?
Most of the challenges I face in sport are more mental than physical. Sometimes I worry I might not be able to compete at the level that I can in training. Also, experiencing a string of losses on court can make you start to doubt yourself and your goals. Being able to bounce back from that required so much discipline, belief and a good week off! Physically, I've never been a power player (my body build is small) so I'm not longer surprised playing someone bigger and/or stronger than I am.
Q3) Do you have a prepared routine for training before a competition? How do you prepare on the day of the competition?
Prior to a competition my training changes slightly. I'll do more drills which revolve around game play/tactics on the court and off court I might decrease the weights at the gym. I have some pre-competition rituals on game day. Depending on my match schedule I'll try to eat 3-4 hours before my match, shower 2-3 hours before and start warming up exactly 1 hour prior to my match while having a small snack. Further into the competition I'll wear my 'winning clothes' for important matches because they feel like they give me extra confidence and luck!
Q4) Which sport athlete do you idolise and why?
I idolise many of the top Badminton players. My favourite would have to be Lee Chong Wei. Other players include Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lin Dan, Chen Long, Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen. Each has their own unique trait and I wish I could take a bit from all of them. I feel like their skills, determination, mental strength, tactical awareness and physicality exceed most of the other players which make them some of the best in the world.
Q5) What do you do during your free time? How do you like to relax?
During my free time I like to unwind with some gaming. I play a lot of DOTA 2 with my brothers and friends so I find that's my favourite way to relax. I'll also watch Badminton replays of the top players to learn and study from them - sounds tedious but it's my form of relaxation. I also enjoy cooking (or trying to cook anyway!) so I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsay with his colourful language.
Q6) How has crowdfunding helped you? What personal benefits has it brought you?
The crowdfunding from my campaign will help with paying for the travel expenses as I attempt to qualify for Rio. With my training schedule it's hard to get a job since I'm not available most of the time so right now my parents are paying for me. Hopefully the raised money will take a lot of pressure off them.
Q7) How has/is MAKEACHAMP helped/helping you achieve your goals?
Makeachamp has made it easy to inform friends and family of my goals.
Q8) Do you have any tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign?
I'm barely close to halfway through my campaign but good friends and family should probably be the first to know about your campaign - those who have followed you since you started and have always supported and believed in you. They have most likely been with you through the ups and downs and can understand you and your goals.
Q9) What is your favourite TV show and why?
I don't watch many TV shows so I'd have to say The Big Bang Theory. I always get a good laugh watching it.
Q10) What is your favourite band/music artist and why?
I don't really have a favourite band/artist but I enjoy most mainstream music that gets played on the radio nowadays as long as it's not over-worked. Right now though I'm listening to more acoustic songs.
Q11) What is your favourite food/snack?
I enjoy cooking so my favourite food would have to be a good home-cooked burger.
Check out his campaign here.
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