Switzerland Celebrates 7th Medal at Paralympics: Ilaria Renggli Makes History with Badminton Bronze

Switzerland has a 7th medal at the Paris Paralympics! Ilaria Renggli will remember her first Paralympics for a long time. The 24-year-old badminton player from Argovia, who won chocolate the day before in doubles with her partner Cynthia Mathez, claimed the bronze medal in singles thanks to her clear victory 21-13 21-14 over Japan’s Yuma Yamazaki. This is Switzerland’s first medal in badminton at the Paralympics.

After a golden Sunday on the purple track at the Stade de France (Catherine Debrunner and Manuela Schär) and in the La Défense Arena pool (Leo McCrea), Switzerland followed up Monday morning with bronze. Ilaria Renggli (WH2), last year’s vice European champion, reached a new milestone at the Porte de la Chapelle by standing up to the Asians, who are the great dominators of badminton. Renggli has put Switzerland on the map of Paralympic badminton for the first time. Historic.

Paris 2024 – Paralympics: Ilaria Renggli won the bronze medal in badminton / 19h30 / 1 min. / Monday at 19:30

Facing Japanese Yuma Yamazaki, who won bronze three years ago in Tokyo, Renggli wrapped up the match in just 32 minutes. This helped alleviate the bitter defeat (22-20 27-25) from the day before in doubles with her partner Cynthia Mathez during the bronze medal final against the Thai pair Sujirat Pookham / Amnouy Wetwithan. The Swiss duo, the only European pair competing in doubles in Paris, missed their chances at the end of each set. They led 20-18 in the first set and 17-10 in the second before losing track of the match.

Teary-eyed, laughter, relief

The Argovian was exhausted at the time of the interview. The accumulated pressure is gradually being released. The emotion is palpable. Tears flowed down Renggli’s face, but there were also laughter that signify relief after her incredible performances in singles and doubles.

Renggli took care of the Japanese Yamazaki in 32 minutes. [KEYSTONE – ENNIO LEANZA]

“I have to thank so many people, from coaches, to sparring partners, to everyone who helped me get here. Cynthia (note: Mathez, her doubles partner) told me before the match that I could do it. She has supported me immensely”.

“I’m going to sleep, sleep, and sleep”

Ilaria Renggli, in a wheelchair since 2018, is not about to forget her first Paralympic Games. “It feels like a dream. I never thought I would get this far. A 4th place in doubles, bronze in singles… The groups were so tough. I don’t know what to say. It’s unreal. I’m on the podium with two Chinese players!” she tells us, having started badminton in 2020.

Ilaria Renggli was exhausted after the match. [KEYSTONE – ENNIO LEANZA]

And the Argovian continued: “Before coming to Paris, I told myself ‘enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and gain experience for the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028… I achieved the best possible performance. I really gave it my all”.

Before she rushes off for a doping control, we ask her about her next plans. The answer comes quickly, like her shuttlecocks during her victory in the small final. “I’m going back to the Olympic Village and I’m going to sleep, sleep, and sleep. With three matches a day, it has been very exhausting”. Happy resting!

Swiss badminton promised a bright future

A little further away, the national coach is sitting against a wall. He holds his head with both hands. As if groggy from the historic event for Swiss badminton that he has just witnessed. Marc Lutz stands up painfully. “Ilaria is a player with extreme concentration skills. She puts herself in a bubble and always gives everything she has. In this tournament, she eliminated the number 2 and number 3 in the world. She also played long matches, not to mention doubles.”

National coach Marc Lutz: ‘Ilaria was incredible’. [KEYSTONE – ENNIO LEANZA]

Swiss badminton seems to be promised a bright future. “When I see what Cynthia and Ilaria are capable of in both doubles and singles, there’s no reason why this beautiful story shouldn’t continue”.

After 5 days of competitions, Swiss Paralympic has 7 medals and is getting closer to its goal of 14 metals. The Swiss delegation could still add to their collection on Tuesday at the Stade de France thanks to Catherine Debrunner, Manuela Schär, and Marcel Hug.

Switzerland is doing great at the Paralympics: interview with Flurina Rigling, bronze medalist in track cycling (video) / Forum / 6 min. / Monday at 18:00

Paris, Miguel Bao