As the year ends, we’re excited to proudly announce that we excelled at the Jakarta Badminton Prozap, bringing the trophy home! We secured over five medals, claiming the top spot in the rankings, surpassing 12 other schools and 144 players.
Allow us to introduce our badminton prodigy, Jonathan Massi, who emerged as the gold medalist at the 2024 Jakarta Badminton Prozap.
For the silver medal, I felt more regret than joy because I was so close, and we lost due to a mistake I made. I attempted a smash, but the shuttlecock went out just a little, so I felt sorry for my teammates because I really wanted to lead them to the top of the podium. However, for the gold medal, it was wonderful, almost like a dream. I have always dreamed of that first-place finish. It’s worth noting that this isn’t my first edition; it’s my fourth, and the opponent I defeated had beaten me in 2018, where I finished second. So, it was definitely a rematch! (Laughs)
Always music. It has varied a lot, from EDM when I was younger to rap today, it motivates me. Before a match, I listen to something calm, but on the way to the court, I listen to something loud and energetic to really wake up.
There is always a bit of pressure that builds up, but talking to my teammates and others can really help to relax, just like music. Even though the encouragement from younger teammates can add some pressure, I was quite confident.
Badminton is a significant part of my life because it’s the only sport that consistently motivates me and that I always find exciting. This year, being in my final year of high school, I don’t have as much time to play. Sometimes, I must sacrifice a bit of badminton time for classes or to hang out with my friends.
Some retired players remain among my favorites, including Lee Chong Wei, but especially Lin Dan 林丹, who had a rather aggressive playing style, especially when he was very young. His 2008 final with Lee Chong Wei was incredible; I watched it in replay, one of the most beautiful matches. I really like the spirit of giving everything on the court, the willingness to push oneself to the point of risking injury. Today, I greatly admire Kento Momota, one of the most competitive players, especially for his outstanding performances in 2018-2019, where he won everything, even breaking Lee Chong Wei’s record. Finally, Lee Zii Jia from Malaysia is an inspiration for his explosive gameplay, with a powerful smash, aligning with my own strategy of aggressive and fast play, relying heavily on big smashes.
The Olympics have always been a bit of a mystery to me. (Laughs) In 2020 (2021) in Tokyo, I genuinely thought Kento Momota would win gold, but he was eliminated in the first round. It’s always full of surprises. Even the Japanese team, which I consider very competitive, did not win a gold medal. The Olympics are synonymous with unpredictability for me, so I don’t have a real prediction! But of course, as a Franco-Chinese, I would love to see the French and Chinese teams shine.
I also really would like to thank the school for making this Prozap possible for us, as well as the ASC team that organizes everything down to the smallest details. A big thank you to Mr. Thevenet and Mr. Richard for their support and guidance during the trip, to all my teammates, and, of course, to all the other medalists!
To wrap up, I would like to sincerely thank the school for making this Prozap happen for us, as well as the ASC team that organizes everything down to the smallest details. A big thank you to Mr. Thevenet and Mr. Richard for their support and guidance during the trip, to all my teammates, and, of course, to all the other medalists!