The verdict is imminent. In a week, we will know the identity of the French players who will win their ticket for the Paris Olympics. If the men's singles ticket is played between the brothers Christo and Toma Junior Popov, the women's ticket is contested between Xuefei Qi and Léonice Huet who are 3,000 points apart in the Olympic race ranking.
To participate in her first Olympic Games, Léonice must reach the final of the European Championships in Saarbrücken (Germany) this week and count on a setback from her rival in the 2nd round or win the gold medal, hoping that Xuefei's course Qi does not go further than the 3rd round. “We focused not only on results but also on development,” says Lithuanian Kestutis Navickas, national coach responsible for the women's team. It paid off as both improved their game for a year. Xuefei notably beat some Top 30 players.”
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He adds: “They are two very different players. Leonice's strength lies in her speed and power while Xuefei is more technical and consistent. During these Euros, it will be a question of showing great mental strength because, in big events, confidence often makes the difference. » Portrait of two players with atypical backgrounds.
Xuefei Qi, the favorite
Always smiling, Xuefei Qi (32) approaches the money time of this Olympic qualification with serenity despite some problems with a hip that has been bothering her for several months. “The objective is first to train well, then to avoid injuries and to give everything on the field,” says the woman who occupies 50th place in the Olympic Race (the ranking which determines the qualifiers). I don't think about points and rankings. I focus on my game.”
Born in 1992 in Nanking (China), she arrived in Rostrenen (Brittany) in 2014 to play a few interclub matches. She finally settled there to live, and joined the Bad'Club Rostren, alternating between courses at INSEP, in Paris, and Brittany.
Married to a Breton physiotherapist in 2018, Xuefei Qi obtained French nationality the following year then won the title of French champion in women's singles in 2020. Also that same year, she won the European team bronze medal in her first selection for the French team before winning the Olympic ticket for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Obviously, she doesn't want to miss those of Paris in less than 5 months in her adopted country. “I really want to go there, Paris is a bit like home. It would be a great experience. »
Léonice Huet, the outsider
At 23, Léonice Huet hopes to win the precious ticket for Paris at the buzzer. “I knew for a while that the qualification was going to be decided in the last moments,” says the person concerned, 69th in the race. I was first in the rankings for a long time and now I'm behind. It’s rage that will win! And the consistency too. »
This Norman native first practiced volleyball then horse riding before developing a passion for steering wheel. “Team sports didn’t really suit me anymore,” she explains. I already had a strong character and I couldn't stand defeat. I enjoyed horse riding for a year but I didn't exert myself enough physically. It was thanks to my best friend that I started playing badminton at the age of 10. » Gifted, Léonice joined the hope center in Bourges before arriving in the French team three years later.
The graduate from Chambly even achieved the feat of winning two French senior championship titles in 2018 (singles and doubles) before being titled in junior. “The Olympics represent a long journey, sacrifices made every day in training,” she says. Mentally, I feel much better than in recent years. »
Even before a final tournament who can decide an Olympic future or not? “The tension is undeniable because we both want the same thing. How are we going to manage this? Everyone will give their best and it is the one who wants the most who will win in the end. I have nothing more to lose by being 2nd in the race. I have to show my fangs! »