 "Para-Badminton & Content Writing: My Journey")
January 10, 2026
Para-badminton star Sophie van den Broek (24) surprised last year with two bronze medals at international tournaments. She started with this sport in 2016 because she was scouted at a Paralympic Talent Day. Now that she has risen to the world top in para-badminton, she is extra happy that she discovered that sport. Especially because she also discovered her great love there. Her boyfriend is also a para badminton player. Together they now travel the world on their way to their Paralympic dream.
Everything has gone fast for Sophie since she registered for a Paralympic talent day at Papendal when she was looking for a different sport because of her disability (spina bifida). “At first it was very exciting to start a new sport,” she says in an interview with the Haarlems Dagblad.
From hockey to badminton
Sophie has played hockey for many years. She first did this with a team for athletes with a physical disability. “When I outgrew that level, I switched to a regular team in Spaardam. Ultimately, it became a bit too tough due to my disability: I could no longer walk it all. Because I have a big sports heart, I started looking for something new. I am very happy that para-badminton came my way.”
Better double
The para-badminton star admits that she also had to get used to the transition from a team sport to an individual sport. “I found it very difficult to blame myself for individual actions,” she says. That’s why she prefers to play doubles or mixed doubles than singles. “In doubles you can help each other to a higher level.”
Love
Through her English doubles partner, Sophie also met her boyfriend: Jack Wilson from Wales during a tournament in Japan. They now often fly back and forth to see each other. Sophie likes the fact that he practices the same sport, because they can help each other. “When I’m there, I sometimes train with him. The sport is a lot bigger there: they also have a lot more knowledge. Watching him play is inspiring and motivating.”
Big dreams
They dream of going to the Paralympic Games together. For that dream and their relationship they have to travel a lot. “I have never planned so much in my life as I do now. But I am committed to it because I have big goals. This life is very cool.”
Source: Haarlems Dagblad
