Ilaria Renggli

Started: She took up Para badminton in 2020 and began competing in the sport one year later. (swissparalympic.ch, 20 Aug 2023; aargauersport.ch, 11 Nov 2022) Reason: Originally an artistic gymnast, she was encouraged to try Para badminton during her rehabilitation by coach Karin Suter Erath. "Before being a gymnast, I was an individual athlete. What I like about wheelchair badminton is that I can play both alone and in doubles. The sport is extremely fast, versatile and both technically and tactically demanding. I like that. It challenges me physically and cognitively." (swissparalympic.ch, 20 Aug 2023; aargauersport.ch, 11 Nov 2022) Ambition: To compete in singles and to win a medal in doubles at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (aargauersport.ch, 05 Jan 2024) Awards: In 2022 she was named Para Athlete Newcomer of the Year by the Swiss Paralympic Committee. (swissparalympic.ch, 19 Nov 2022) Additional Info: FOCUS ON PARIS 2024 Having previously worked part-time as an office worker alongside her badminton career, she began training as a full-time athlete in January 2024 with a view to competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. "In order to realise my big goal and take part in the Paralympics for the first time, I made a big change this year [speaking in January 2024]. I no longer work, but am 100% a professional athlete. This meant I was able to significantly increase my training volume and also have time for recovery, regeneration and video analysis. That makes a huge difference. I've noticed that since then I've been much fitter and more alert in training and can therefore achieve more." (aargauersport.ch, 05 Jan 2024, 11 Nov 2022) OTHER ACTIVITIES She has served on the technical commission for badminton at Wheelchair Sports Switzerland. (spv.ch, 01 Jan 2024)