At 67, Véronique Toquet is the oldest member of the Paimpol badminton club. “Pure Breton product with character,” she smiles. Having lived in Plouha for over forty years, she still leads an active life as a taxi driver between Paimpol and Plouha, while playing competitively for over fifteen years. Very involved, she also holds the position of secretary within a club which brings together nearly fifty members, mainly recreational players.
This season marks a turning point. “With the arrival of new motivated members, we were able to re-form a competition team, which had not happened for two years,” explains Véronique, also captain. Ten players – six men and four women – take turns during the trips. Each day: three men and three women, two matches, with singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, all in two winning sets of 21 points.
On Sunday, the team traveled to Saint-Brieuc, where a cake café brought together the five clubs involved. In the morning, Paimpol held off the leader, Saint-Brieuc, draw: 4-4. In the afternoon, clear victory, 8-0, against Guingamp. Next meeting: December 14, at home, at the Kerraoul gymnasium in Paimpol from 10 a.m. “The public is welcome,” invites Véronique Toquet, dean, secretary, captain… and tireless competitor.
Practical
Sessions at the Kerraoul 2 gymnasium in Paimpol, from 15 years old, Monday from 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. during school holidays) and Thursday from 6:30 p.m.
James Whitfield
James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.
