Lucas Mazur

Started: He took up the sport at age 10 in Toulouse, France. (lepetitsolognot.fr, 24 Feb 2020) Reason: He discovered the sport during a physical education course. He later took part in a school competition in France. "I love the mental aspect during competition. It is really a challenge for me, being in front of the rival, to do my best to win points, so at the end of the rally I can close my fist and show my rival my quality." (Mz Records YouTube channel, 27 Feb 2020; handiplay.tv, 2019) Ambition: To win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (francetvinfo.fr, 19 Feb 2024) Milestones: He became the first badminton player representing France to claim a gold medal at the Paralympic Games by winning the men's SL4 singles title at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 28 Nov 2023) Awards: In 2021 he was named Knight of the National Order of Merit of the Legion of Honour by the president of France. (legifrance.gouv.fr, 08 Sep 2021) He was named Male Para Badminton Player of the Year in 2016 by the Badminton World Federation [BWF]. (fondationbanquepopulaire.fr, 2019; corporate.bwfbadminton.com, 2019) In 2016 he was named European Para Badminton Player of the Year by the European Badminton Confederation [BEC]. (badmintoneurope.com, 29 Sep 2017) Additional Info: STUDY BREAK He put his business studies degree at Bordeaux University in France on hold in order to prepare for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. He plans to resume his studies following the 2024 Games. (groupebpce.com, 12 Dec 2022) TENNIS SUPPORTER As a boy, he was a fan of French tennis player Yannick Noah. At one tournament he was asked by Noah to take his place during an exhibition match. "My parents took me to a gala tennis match in Orleans [France]. It was a match between Yannick Noah and [French tennis player] Fabrice Santoro. I was such a fan of Noah that during the match I encouraged him with so much noise. At one point Noah approached me and gave me his racket. He told me, 'Go play in my place'. Then I found myself exchanging with Santoro in front of everyone. I was so young and it was crazy." (groupebpce.com, 12 Dec 2022)

Sporting Relatives: His brother Hugo has represented Poland in rugby union. His mother played professional basketball in France and his father represented France in table tennis. (groupebpce.com, 12 Dec 2022; portugalinews.eu, 17 Feb 2019; culturesport.net, 11 Jan 2018)