Guillaume Gailly Charts Fresh Course for Tahiti Badminton

PAPEETE, Tahiti – Guillaume Gailly, a decorated para badminton medalist and seasoned coach, has embarked on a new chapter in his career, assuming the role of head coach and technical manager of the Polynésian Badminton Federation (formerly Tahiti Badminton Federation). The appointment follows a ten-day visit to Tahiti where Gailly conducted both a BWF Level 1 Coach and a Shuttle Time Tutor course, signaling a commitment to bolstering the sport’s development within the region.

Gailly’s journey to leading badminton in Tahiti is one marked by perseverance and a lifelong passion for the game. From his early days as a 13-year-traditional joining a local club in France, to navigating a successful coaching career and overcoming personal adversity, his experiences have uniquely prepared him for this new challenge.

From Volunteer to President: A Coaching Foundation

Badminton initially entered Gailly’s life as a recreational pursuit, something he “dipped in and out of” during his teenage years and early adulthood. However, a pivotal moment arrived when he noticed volunteer requests posted around his local club. Intrigued, he began assisting with coaching sessions and tournaments, quickly discovering a talent for instruction. He soon found himself leading his first training group, holding sessions every Tuesday night from 9:30 to 11:00 PM.

“As coach, I was lucky because we already had a team in a big team event in France,” Gailly explained. “I had a coach who was with me, and I could follow him for the first competitions and follow the players. And I could go to the French National Championship and be the second coach.” This early mentorship proved invaluable, allowing him to learn the ropes and gain practical experience. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s president in 2000, before making a decisive commitment to full-time coaching.

That commitment extended beyond France’s borders. Gailly began seeking opportunities to share his expertise internationally, starting with a course for trainers and a player’s camp in Madagascar, facilitated by Olympic Solidarity. This marked the beginning of a global career, collaborating with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and implementing programs like Shuttle Time in countries like Haiti, and providing support to member associations worldwide. At the heart of his work, Gailly says, is a simple love for the game: “I just love the game. I love trying to understand what the opponents are doing—to analyse, to find the best advice to help players win, especially when the match is tight.”

A Life Interrupted, A New Path Forged

In 2015, Gailly’s life took an unexpected turn. A motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his left foot, forcing him to reassess his future. However, his passion for badminton remained undimmed. Having previously volunteered as a coach with French para badminton players at the 2012 European Championship, he recognized the potential for continued involvement in the sport.

“I already had experience with para badminton… After I got in the accident, I said, ‘Okay, I realize it’s possible to preserve on playing badminton,’” Gailly recalled. With the inclusion of para badminton in the Paralympic program on the horizon, he set a new goal: to compete at the highest level.

Over the next several years, Gailly balanced training, competing, and coaching, traveling extensively across the globe. He achieved significant success as a para badminton athlete, becoming European Champion and securing a World Championship bronze medal in men’s doubles. Leading up to the Paris 2024 Paralympics, he focused on singles training, but the intense workload ultimately took its toll, preventing him from qualifying. Despite this setback, Gailly found value in the experience. “I tried and that was really interesting for me to be engaged in such a project,” he expressed. “The experience was really interesting. I didn’t know the high-level experience as a player before, and now I know what the players feel when they come to a competition, so I can share with them, and I can understand a little bit more what is interesting and important for them.”

A New Home in the Pacific

Following his ten-day visit to Tahiti, Gailly felt a strong connection to the island and the potential for growth within the Polynésian Badminton Federation. The opportunity to seize on the full-time position as head coach and technical manager proved too compelling to resist. “After I visited the federation and met the players and the projects they’re doing there I was really interested,” he explained. “I talked to my wife and she said ‘Yes, we go, we go.’ We were living in Thailand, my wife is Thai. So, for us going there is very interesting work for me and also for her learning French.”

His first official assignment was at the VICTOR Oceania Championships 2026, where he observed the progress of athletes from across the region. Having previously witnessed Oceania players at events like the YONEX Bendigo International, Gailly recognized the significant strides the region has made in recent years. “When I was a young coach, badminton in Oceania was far behind some of the other confederations,” he reflected. “But now the gap is completely different.”

A key focus for Gailly and the Polynésian Badminton Federation is the upcoming Pacific Games, which Tahiti will host next year. A new competition venue is currently under construction, designed to serve as a long-term hub for badminton development. Gailly envisions the facility as a catalyst for growth, hosting training sessions, coaching courses, junior programs, and high-performance initiatives. He is committed to nurturing both the current national squad and the next generation of Tahitian badminton players.

Looking ahead, Gailly emphasizes the importance of sustainability and succession planning. “I don’t know how long I will stay as coach,” he said, “but I want to prepare others to take over. It would make me very happy to see a coach from French Polynesia eventually step into my place and lead the players and all the federation’s activities.”

With a new facility, a dedicated team, and an experienced leader at the helm, Tahiti’s badminton future appears bright. Guillaume Gailly is determined to play a pivotal role in shaping that future, fostering a lasting legacy of growth and success in the heart of the Pacific.

The next major milestone for Tahiti badminton is the Pacific Games in 2027. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the team’s progress and the opening of the new competition venue.

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