Garrido Resets Goals After Intense Performance

Jayce September 6, 2024 11 0

“I once thought about retiring, but I will continue to strive and aim to compete in 2028,” said Mexican player Luis Ramon Garrido. He delivered an outstanding performance in badminton, nearly defeating Lee Cheuk Yiu, ranked 17th in the world, which could have been the biggest upset at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite the significant difference in ranking and experience—Garrido is currently ranked 66th and rarely appears on the world tour—he engaged in a fierce battle with Lee Cheuk Yiu after a dismal first game, where he managed only 5 points.

“It was very windy and tricky on the court. The pace was fast, and he played excellently in the first game, so credit to him,” Garrido said. “In the second game, I told myself that we are here at the Olympics, we have to fight, and no one is going to give you anything for free. So I said, let’s move forward and face the reality. I just tried to beat him with my expressions, my shouts, my body language.”

Lee Cheuk Yiu’s Close Call

The match atmosphere was tense, with emotions running high, and Lee celebrated wildly after winning the final point with a score of 21-5, 15-21, 21-17. Although Garrido lost both of his group stage matches—having previously lost 21-17, 21-12 to world number 11 Chou Tien Chen—he won an inner battle: his performance convinced him to continue pursuing his dream of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

For the 28-year-old, just participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics was a lifetime journey—he had nearly died nine years ago from a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which causes muscle breakdown. He also had multiple surgeries on both knees. Garrido’s impressive performance against top players like Chou and Lee made him proud, and he vowed to achieve even better results.

Luis Ramon Garrido

“I believe I had a chance to beat Chou Tien Chen. He even asked me, ‘Wow, where have you come from?’ meaning where have I been all these years. In 2015, I nearly died and had eight knee surgeries. My knees were completely destroyed while playing badminton. This is the first time a Mexican has won a match at the Olympics. We’ve been representing Mexico since 2008, and I almost won this match.

“I once thought about retiring, but I will keep pushing and aim for 2028. On this path, I believe I can compete with the top players. Look at me, my level is on par with Chou Tien Chen, Lee Cheuk Yiu, who are some of the best in the world—why can’t I do it?

“In 2015, I almost died, so I don’t mind dying on the court. I will keep playing badminton because I love this sport.”