Tag: Krysten Coombs

Paris Paralympics: We ensure our athletes believe in their abilities and are not limited by their disabilities
We returned home with two silver medals from the Paralympics in badminton. This is an incredible achievement. But more importantly, we are proud of the performances of our four players who, throughout a week of intense competition, represented the sport of badminton brilliantly and will inspire many more to take part in the sport.
“I was left speechless while cheering for our athletes in Paris,” explained Sue Storey, CEO of Badminton England. “It was an incredibly joyful event.
“We work with our athletes to help them reach their peak performance. The entire culture of Badminton England is about ensuring athletes believe in their abilities and are not limited by disability.
“Dan was simply amazing. He performed so well. He was just one step away from the gold medal, but we are proud of his silver medal win on Monday.
“Then there’s Christen—he was truly a crowd favorite! Honestly, I think he dived more times during the Paralympics than Tom Daley did! He was flying everywhere, enjoying every second, and we are so proud of their achievements.
“Rachel didn’t make it to Tokyo with this achievement, but she came to Paris and stepped onto the court as the first female badminton player at the Paralympics. She made everyone proud—we look forward to seeing her progress and what she will achieve in Los Angeles in four years.
“Then there’s Jack—like Rachel, he competed in two events. He continues to be a great ambassador for the sport. I know that when he returns home, he will go into the community
Sue also believes that the success in Paris will inspire more people across the country to get involved in our sport
“This is exactly what we hoped for. We aimed for two medals at the Paralympics, and we achieved
“All the players worked incredibly hard, and head coach Richard Morris has fostered such a great culture—a truly amazing culture that inspires everyone to get involved in para-badminton.
“Of course, none of this would be possible without the tremendous support of the National Lottery. Every penny that goes into the lottery helps sport in this country—so thank you to the National Lottery for helping us achieve what we did today.
“Badminton is an amazing sport. No matter your age, what level you want to achieve, or whether you have a disability, you can take part in this sport. These players have proven just how inspiring they can be when competing at the highest level on the biggest stage.
“What I want to say to everyone who watched our Olympic and Paralympic games this summer is… pick up a racket and play badminton! It’s the most joyful thing.
“There are so many opportunities to get involved in the sport. We would love to see more people participate in para-badminton. Last week’s competition showed what we can achieve—our athletes set an example in Paris, inspiring more people to get involved in the sport.”
September 5, 2024
Combs wins silver medal at Paris Paralympics
Krysten Coombs was delighted to upgrade his men’s singles bronze to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Badminton Championships.
The 33-year-old athlete lost 21-19, 21-13 to local favorite and close friend Charles Noakes in the SH6 men’s singles final.
Accompanied by a raucous French crowd and some British supporters, Coombs did his best to enjoy the moment, and Noakes acknowledged his opponent’s performance in the post-match celebrations.
“It’s amazing,” said the Totnes native. “It’s obviously not the result I wanted, but to see so many people in the crowd was fantastic.”
“We don’t get this kind of atmosphere at other para-badminton championships, so to experience this was incredible. As the match was nearing its end, I had to give it my all.”
“This is what dreams are made of. Hard work, dedication, years of sacrifice, not being able to do things with friends and family—having them here is the best part.”
“Having the support of ParalympicsGB and everyone behind me, along with many people working behind the scenes, such as UK Sport and the National Lottery, enabled me to be here and feel this atmosphere.”
“If people didn’t buy lottery tickets back home, we wouldn’t have this experience.”
Coombs, who won bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics, built up a considerable lead early in the first game, but spurred on by the home crowd, Noakes didn’t stay silent for long.
After a brief medical timeout for Coombs, he leveled the score at 11-11 and shortly after took the lead for the first time.
The Frenchman led by three points, but Coombs quickly responded, keeping the score close until Noakes secured three game points.
Coombs saved two but couldn’t stop Noakes from clinching the third, shifting the momentum in his favor.
From that point, the Frenchman comfortably took the second game, with Coombs playing attacking badminton to try and halt his opponent’s progress, but it was only temporary.
“I came here to play my best badminton and see what would happen. My dream was to win that gold medal, but it wasn’t to be,” he added.
“The momentum shifted, and he came out on top—that’s badminton, that’s how it goes. I struggled a bit in the second game, but I gave it my all.”
“We’re great friends on and off the court, and we socialize as much as we can. That’s what I love about para-badminton—making lots of friends here.”
“To share this moment with him was incredible.”
September 4, 2024
4 Nations Para: Coombs Celebrates in the Hype
Krysten Coombs’ journey continues as he competes in the SH6 Men’s Singles at the 2024 Four Nations Para-Badminton International. He defeated teammate Jack Shephard in the quarterfinals.
After reaching his first semifinal of 2024 and defeating fellow countryman and friend Shephard 21-18, 16-21, 22-20 in their 15th encounter, Coombs said, “We are the best of friends off the court, and that’s the best part of this. We know that when we face each other, one of us has to win. That’s where we show sportsmanship. It’s a pleasure to compete against a teammate.”
Coombs, also a part-time actor, had to give his all to beat Shephard after a tough battle against Charles Noakes in the second round, especially with his coach Richard Morris absent.
“It was challenging. Coaches are fantastic; they help you forget your worries and instill new knowledge. We have a good setup where we can spar with each other during training. Without a coach, you have to become stronger on your own. It’s more of a mental battle to see who’s mentally stronger,” added the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist.

The two British players stayed in the same room in Glasgow and had time to have breakfast together on the morning of the match.
“We share a room, and when we hang out, there’s one hour a week where we need to turn off the games and not be friends. The rest of the week, having a friend around is great. It brings smiles to our faces,” Shephard shared about their close friendship.
Coombs added, “We had breakfast together this morning and kept each other warm. That’s the special thing about our friendship—we don’t put on a grumpy face to cause trouble.”
When asked who would buy dinner, Coombs replied, “After such an exciting match, I hope it’s one of our teammates!”
Coombs is making his debut in the semifinals this year, facing Paralympic champion Nagar Krishna. Coombs said, “Let’s go. This is preparation for the Paris Paralympics.”

Coombs (right) and Shephard are good friends off the court.
What Others Say:
“I focus on staying calm on the court, even when I’m behind. I believe in myself and support myself. This is my important motto for preparing for the Paralympics.” — Zhu Wenkai (SH6)
“There are many players in India whom I admire. (Pusarla V) Sindhu, Saina (Nehwal), (HS) Prannoy, Lakshya (Sen), Srikanth (Kidambi). The para-badminton community feels fantastic because, win or lose, they just enjoy the game and appreciate everyone.” — Thulasimathi Murugesan
“I faced some difficulties in the second game, so I tried to play more aggressively. It suits my style better. Over the years, I’ve developed my own style of play, and I look forward to implementing it at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.” — Beatriz Monteiro (SU5) attempting to overcome a 9-0 confrontation with Cathrine Rosengren in the quarterfinals
“My badminton skills have been praised, and I’m happy to see so many people paying attention to me and what I do. I want to thank my coach, who always keeps me sharp and helps me succeed.” — Daiki Kajiwara (WH1) humbly says after securing two semifinal spots
July 31, 2024
4 Nations Para: Joshis Meditative Path to Glory
Recently, Manasi Girishchandra Joshi has been exuding a sense of tranquility and meditative calm.
After each rally, she retreats backstage, seemingly out of place amid the surrounding bustle. Her movements between points are slow and deliberate, and she no longer celebrates as she once did.
“I meditate every day,” revealed the 2019 SL3 Women’s Singles World Champion and 2024 Four Nations Para-Badminton International winner. “For me, even tossing a coin is a form of meditation. Proper breathing has many benefits and helps you keep a clear mind. It’s about balance, composure, and calmness. These all help my game. Once, I was trailing 8-1, and I took a break to meditate,” she added after defeating Coraline Bergeron 21-13, 21-16 in Group C.
“I just pushed myself, saying ‘one point at a time.’ The second game was very close. But I aimed to get a two to three-point lead and then maintain that advantage to take the lead.”
Meditation is not the only thing that has helped Joshi on and off the court.

“I also keep a journal, which is very helpful. I write everything down. I don’t look back at what I’ve written. Writing is therapeutic. It’s like a release, much like meditation. You can let everything go.”
Joshi is inspired by HS Prannoy and appreciates the breathing techniques he employs in his matches.
“He’s great, and I’ve trained with him. We learn from each other,” she said.
With just over two months until the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Joshi feels her preparations are progressing well.
“The Level 1 competition in Glasgow felt like a test event for Paris. Looking at my group, three of us will be going to Paris. The challenges and mental resilience you need are all present in this competition. If you put me in the Paralympics in two weeks, I’d be physically ready after overcoming some injuries. Mentally, I’m ready now. I’m prepared.”

Joshi describes herself as a “calm person.”
What Others Say:
“After defeating the seeded player in the first match, my confidence soared. Some shots didn’t return as expected, and I started to get nervous, but it’s all part of the learning curve for big events.” — Celine Aurelie Vinot on trying to defeat 2022 SL3 World Champion Oksana Kozyna.
“I played very well. A few months ago, I did well in the Spanish para-badminton event, and my level has been improving ahead of the Paralympics. Playing at home will be special, and I hope to show everyone how great para-badminton is.” — Thomas Jacobs (WH2) preparing for the Summer Paralympics.
“It’s been like riding a roller coaster. I need to keep pushing through, and this is a great example of what I’ll learn from here to prepare for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.” — Krysten Coombs (SH6) on giving it his all to overcome the strong challenge from Charles Noakes 21-15, 8-21, 21-17.
“I dyed my hair this color because I’m aiming for gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. I hope it brings me good luck.” — Choi Jung-wan (WH1) hoping his new hairstyle will increase his chances of winning a Paralympic medal.
July 31, 2024