Shi Yuqi of China has climbed to World No.1 in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) men’s singles rankings, following a dominant season and securing his qualification for the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

The journey to the top was anything but easy for Shi. He faced numerous obstacles, including a painful defeat at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 and a challenging 10-month suspension.

In his Olympic debut in Tokyo, Shi was swept by eventual gold medalist Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the men’s singles quarterfinals. Scoring no more than 13 points in the two games, Shi struggled to put up much resistance.

Determined to improve, Shi worked tirelessly after the Tokyo Games, striving to grow into the role of China’s top men’s singles player. However, in October 2021, he faced a setback when he was suspended by the Chinese Badminton Association for “making inappropriate remarks” about his withdrawal from the Thomas Cup semifinals against Japan’s Kento Momota.

Regaining his form after the suspension was a significant challenge. Shi admitted that his strength seemed to fail him, even considering withdrawing from the Paris Olympic qualifiers in 2023.

“In the first half of 2023, I was like, ‘maybe I couldn’t do this anymore’,” Shi told China Media Group (CMG). “I began to doubt myself and wondered if I could still beat others in the competition.”

When asked how he managed to bounce back, Shi found it difficult to explain the transformation. However, his coach, Sun Jun, played a pivotal role in his resurgence.

Sun Jun, who coached Shi when he won the boys’ singles gold at the Nanjing Youth Olympics in 2014, reconnected with him after becoming the national team’s men’s singles coach in 2022.

“Coach Sun knows me well,” Shi said. “Badminton has become more complicated than before, and details decide if you can perform your best. I want to win. I want to stay hungry for victory, but I’m also in a mindset I like, that I don’t have to be the one in the top position.”

“Shi’s performance this year was excellent. He won four titles and looked confident in training,” Sun told CMG. “I think today’s Shi Yuqi can match Axelsen.”

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Shi remains focused yet relaxed. “I want to win the title, but I will try not to stress about it,” he said. “I will try to maintain the good form I’m in right now, and improve it if possible. I will give my best in Paris.”