Hello,

I have always wondered if it is really important to reach the top of any sport from an early age? I mean, it is definitely an advantage if you start early but I personally don't think that it is necessary. If a player has the will and that madness to be on top, it is still possible to make it there, even though if you start, lets say when you are 18? What are you views on this?

Also, do you guys know any badminton player who has started playing late like 19 or 20?

I reckon it could be possible but you would need alot of dtermination to do it, or a lot of talent. I heard that Chen Hong didn't start playing until he was 13 which is quite late in my opinion considering he is one of the best in the world.

It's probably easier to do this on a national level if your country is lower down in the rankings meaning that the competition is lower.

In an international context it would be a lot more difficult.

I think it is important to aim for the top spot in any sport at an early age. However, calming the disappointment of not reaching the goal is harder both kids and parents, especially parents who want their kids to be the top at all cost. Actually I think staying on top is much harder than reaching the top.

Nowadays its difficult to reach the top if you start to learn the game late. But nothing is impossible.. its just difficult. The level of competition is too high , more and more younger people in involved in the international level and they are good!. Not only in badminton , other games like soccer , golf , basketball. They have prodigy that ranges from 12 to 20 yrs old and competing in international levels.

Even they fail to reach the top at an earli stage.. i'm sure they will still have chance to reach the top. Anyway they still have long way to go.