Chou Tien-chen becomes his own coach for Olympics: Here's why
What's the story
Taiwanese shuttler Chou Tien-chen, who is currently ranked number two in the world among singles players, has taken a bold decision to become his own coach, as he eyes his maiden Olympic gold.
While it seems like an absurd decision, less then a year before the biggest world tournament, his physio is confident that he would come out on top.
Here is more.
Trainer
Tien-chen parted ways with trainer earlier this year
It was earlier this year when Tien-chen parted ways with his trainer.
Since then, he has been on a winning streak, as he won the Indonesia Open in July.
"I do a lot of homework a coach does before a game and spend more time analyzing opponents and what I should do under what circumstances," he said recently, as reported by AFP.
Role
His physiotherapist keeps him motivated
As for his physiotherapist Victoria Kao, she said that while her primary job is to "maintain his health and character", she also supports him emotionally when needed.
"I will pour cold water on him [after a win]. But, when there are setbacks I will tell him it is okay- embrace your dreams and persist- to try to lift him up emotionally," she said.
Quote
I can gain more when I am humble: Tien-chen
"There are still a lot of things I need to learn. I was a relatively proud person and didn't pay attention to the information other people tried to give me...but I've come to realize that I can gain more when I am humble," said Tien-chen.
Medal tally
A look at Tien-chen's medal tally so far
Here's is the medal tally of Tien-chen so far:
2011 Summer Universiade: Bronze (Mixed team)
2013 Summer Universiade: Bronze (Men's doubles) and Bronze (Mixed team)
2013 East Asian Games: Bronze (Men's team)
2014 Asian Games: Bronze (Men's team)
2015 Summer Universiade: Bronze (Men's singles)
2018 Asian Games: Silver (Men's singles) and Bronze (Men's team)
2019 Asian Championships: Bronze (Men's singles)
BWF tournaments
Tien-chen has had a great run in BWF tournaments
Considering Tien-chen's singles run in the BWF tournaments, he has been phenomenal so far.
To date, he has won six BWF World Tour titles.
However, he does not have the best of run in BWF Superseries, having won just a tournament.
As for his stint in the BWF Grand Prix, he has won seven titles, besides winning three singles titles in BWF International Challenge.