At just 16 years old, top-level badminton player Mady Sow is set to represent Seine-Saint-Denis at the Youth Olympic Games, kicking off on October 31st in Dakar. With Senegalese heritage through his father, he hopes for a memorable experience.
As the only athlete from Seine-Saint-Denis among the 2,700 participants (aged 14-17), Mady Sow is part of the 69-strong French delegation. This competition, the first Olympic event held in Africa, marks a significant step in his young career.
Now affiliated with VGA Saint-Maur, Mady received his training at various clubs in Seine-Saint-Denis: Gagny, Noisy-le-Grand, and later Aulnay. He is already a two-time U17 and U19 European champion, possessing remarkable physical and technical skills to become a future star in the sport.
He fondly recalls his training in the 93 region, crediting early coaches like Nicolas Séjournant in Gagny, and his friendships with Marinne Nadjar and Frédéric Haye. He also acknowledges the support from Frédéric Le Calvez and Valentin Garié in Aulnay, particularly during the challenging Covid period.
Yannick Senjean, president of the Club Badminton Aulnay-sous-Bois, remembers Mady as a player who was "rigorous yet smiling," and is delighted by his achievements. The club, recognized as a "club avenir," lacked the necessary coaching and sparring partners for his progression to the elite level, leading to his move to VGA Saint-Maur.
His father, Mouamar Sow, explains that Mady started badminton at the young age of 4 and a half, quickly showing talent. The family, residing in Gagny since 2011, found a local club to support his development.
Currently training at the National Training Center in Talence, Mady balances his final year of STAPS studies with intensive training. He is excited to compete in the Youth Olympic Games, especially as it takes place in Senegal, his father's home country. He eagerly anticipates the support of his extended family attending the event.
His first matches in Dakar will take place on November 1st at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio.
