In the third part of our series focused on New Zealand officials who played their part at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games we pivot to the sport of Para badminton.
A trio of Kiwi officials proudly represented the sport of Para badminton with pride at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to ensure the rules were correctly applied on the biggest stage.
Referee Julie Carrel, umpire Trish Gubb and line judge Renee Yi Cui may have all fulfilled slightly different positions at Paris 2024, but they all fashioned some wonderful memories at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena.
For Trish an umpire for almost 25 years, Paris 2024 was her second Paralympic Games after making her debut in Tokyo 2020. A huge fan of Para badminton she said: “I quickly learnt that Para badminton players are skilful sports people with amazing compassion for their opponents,” she explains.
As umpire Trish had a front row seat into the best of the action at Paris 2024. She cites the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 semi-final between the French pair of Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel and Indonesian duo Fredy Setiawan and Khalimatus Sadiyah as among her highlights as the passionate French and Indonesian fans got behind their players.
Yet Trish identifies another highlight. “When off duty and out of uniform I was able to support Kiwi Wojtek Czyz with my Silver Fern flag on display,” she says.
While Trish served as an umpire, Julie played more of a helicopter role in her role as Deputy Referee in what was her debut Paralympic Games.
Responsible for the oversight of the event from the venue set up, playing conditions, the draws and schedule, Julie, who has more 30 years’ experience in badminton administration, admits the role is varied and at times challenging.
“As Referees we are “in charge” of the on-court umpires and line judges,” adds Julie, a Badminton World Federation (BWF) umpire referee for ten years. “As well as attending to all of the off-court, behind-the-scenes matters, we can be called to court by the umpire if there is an issue, particularly around the laws of badminton and for an injury, when we bring the tournament doctor with us to attend the player.”
Fulfilling the role during six action packed days of Para badminton was a privilege for Julie and she recalls the highlight seeing Wojtek in action.
“As Secretary General of Badminton Oceania many of us have worked closely with Wojtek and his coach Marianne (Loh) supporting them in their campaign to not only qualify for Paris but to also be as best prepared and perform the best that they could. To see the hard work come together when Wojtek walked out onto court for his first match was emotional and one of real pride.”
For both Trish and Julie, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was an experience to cherish.
“It is every Technical Officials goal to be appointed to the Paralympic or Olympic Games, so I felt very honoured,” said Julie.
While Trish added: “I am extremely proud to have represented New Zealand and the BWF at the Paris Paralympics. I have enjoyed every opportunity to be involved in Olympic and Paralympic Games. They never disappoint.”
Renee, a national level qualified umpire in New Zealand enjoyed her first Paralympic Games appointment as an international line judge. The role was a great opportunity for her to attend a top-level tournament and see some of the best umpires in the world officiate.
