Durban High School’s Lincoln Wilson won gold and bronze medals at the All Africa Schools Individual Championships and All Africa Air Badminton Championships recently.

The competitions took place between August 18 and 26 in Thies, Senegal.

Lincoln, 16, and in Grade 10, said he finished fourth in the individual championships after losing to the first seed in the quarter-finals. Lincoln added that he also lost in the mixed doubles in the semi-finals, as the first seed from Benin completed a treble by winning gold in the singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

He said he then played in the All Africa Air Badminton Team Relay Championships, where South Africa won bronze; before achieving gold in the Individual Air.

“My partners and I were surprised and very excited when we heard that we had won the gold medal. We were not keeping track of our points, so at the prize-giving when we heard we had won, we were so happy,” he said.

Lincoln said his tournament highlight was trying out air badminton for the first time.

“Air badminton is carried out outdoors and was newly introduced in the All African tournaments, which took time getting used to but it was a great experience and a lot of fun,” he said.

This was Lincoln’s first time competing internationally and he said it was a sensational experience as not only was he representing himself, but he was proud to represent his school and South Africa.

Team South Africa with their bronze medal during the All Africa Air Badminton Team Relay Championships. Picture: Supplied

He added that at first it entailed a lot of pressure while being exhilarating at the same time.

Lincoln said the hard work and dedication of his team had contributed to winning the SA Schools Championships earlier in the year, and it had given him this opportunity to participate in this event. He said it was unfortunate that he could not attend the tournament with the rest of his school team, but was still grateful that he was able to attend and experience this.

“Following this result, I will be training hard for the next tournament which is the SA U17 inter-provincial national championships at the end of September, and will have to study for my examinations in October,” Lincoln said.

Outside badminton, Lincoln spends time with friends and family. He plays other sports like squash.

He also studies and runs a small 3D printing business which helps raise funds for tournaments and equipment.

“I go on the court wanting to enjoy the game while keeping a calm mindset and playing my very best,” Lincoln said.

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