With just about three months left in the qualifying window, we find out how our athletes are feeling ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Unfortunately, the last one was during a pandemic, so a lot of things weren’t as grand as you’d expect at the Olympics. So that adds to the excitement, everyone’s looking forward this time around to see the scale of the Paris Olympics.”

Gronya Somerville, 28
Australia
Race to Paris ranking: 15th in mixed doubles with Kenneth Choo

“It’s quite a unique lifetime opportunity to have the Olympics so close to home. I was born 400km from Paris so it feels almost like a home Olympics. Hopefully many German spectators will come and watch us.”

Marvin Seidel, 28
Germany
Race to Paris ranking: 11th in men’s doubles with Mark Lamsfuss

“For every player, the target is the Olympics. Last time, I was upset because my ranking was No.17 because I would have qualified if I was No.16. After that I just wanted to fight for Paris, I really didn’t care about anything else.”

Lee Cheuk Yiu, 27
Hong Kong China
Race to Paris ranking: 14th in men’s singles

“Paris as a city was always romanticised when we were growing up. To play there would be a dream come true for both of us and our families. And it’s the Olympics, it’s the biggest stage.”

Kerry Xu, 24
USA
Race to Paris ranking: 15th in women’s doubles with twin sister Annie Xu

“For me, no doubt the Olympic Games is the biggest of all events. That’s the stage every athlete wants to be at and show the best performance. I was so proud to win silver at Tokyo 2020 but because I missed the gold, my motivation for Paris is extremely strong. I want more.”

Zheng Si Wei, 26
China
Race to Paris ranking: First in mixed doubles with Huang Ya Qiong

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the crowd coming back. My friends and family are going to be there so that’s going to make it extra special.”

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, 24
Indonesia
Race to Paris ranking: Seventh in women’s singles

“When I was little everyone told me I would play at the Olympics. But I didn’t even know what the Olympics were. Then when I was 18, I attended the Olympics and it struck me – this is the Olympics, I have to give it everything!”

Tai Tzu Ying, 29
Chinese Taipei
Race to Paris ranking: Third in women’s singles

“We will be doing more specific training after the qualification period. We will have a new system to prepare for the Olympics. We are not at all nervous, we are quite excited.”

Aaron Chia, 26
Malaysia
Race to Paris ranking: Fifth in men’s doubles with Soh Wooi Yik