Name: Michelle Li
Sport: Badminton
Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON
Favorite Sports Memory: Representing Canada on the podium at all my international tournaments and at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
How you got involved in your sport: It started with recreational play with mom. I quickly realized I really enjoyed playing Badminton so I started taking lessons. Before I knew it I was competing and doing well in tournaments and eventually falling in love with the sport. I am now pursuing my dream to compete in the Olympics.
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: After winning my first Pan Am tournament I realized I wanted to represent Canada on the podium in all the international tournaments and change history for Canada in the sport Badminton.
Favorite Quote: “You must want to succeed more than you want to breathe.”
CAN Fund Testimonial: Thanks to CAN Fund I’m enjoying what I do even more. I am now able to focus and train with an even higher intensity without worrying about financial issues, relieving my family and I of the mental stress and worry, as I continue to pursue my Olympic dream.
Best Result: Quarter finalist at the Commonwealth Games and 2011 National champion in singles and doubles. World ranking 29th.
Who is one person in your life that has impacted your career and what was it that they taught you? There is no ONE person that impacted my career but everyone that is in my life has played an important role in my career. I have learned so many different things from so many different people. For example; my coach taught me nothing comes easy you have to work hard and put a lot of effort and sacrifice to get what you want (no pain no gain), my teammates have always shown me how important it is to support one another and to never give up.
Hobbies: playing sports, going to the theatre, shopping, visiting friends
Hidden Talents: playing the piano
Superstitions: each racquet I use has to be the exact same (same grip and string colour; current grip and string colour: white)
