TORONTO – Audrey Chen’s journey to the OUA Badminton National Championship with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is more than just a pursuit of athletic glory. It’s a story of rediscovery, resilience, and the unexpected ways we find our rhythm. For the third-year Business Management student, badminton isn’t simply a sport. it’s a thread connecting her past, present, and a future she’s actively shaping.
Chen’s story begins not on the court, but in Shanghai, where she spent the first decade of her life. Her father’s work and a desire to maintain a connection to their heritage led the family to prioritize bilingualism and cultural immersion. Frequent trips to Taiwan further solidified this connection, filled with family bike rides and a sense of belonging. The move to Canada in 2012, while initially jarring, ultimately became a pivotal chapter in her identity formation.
“He never wanted us to miss out on being in touch with our culture and roots,” Chen said, reflecting on her father’s influence. “I’m really thankful that I’m still completely fluent in Mandarin.”
Badminton first entered Chen’s life at age eight, encouraged by her mother’s desire to find a sport that suited her energetic personality. While other children played in the sand, Chen was climbing trees, a testament to her boundless energy. The sport quickly resonated, leading to recreational play with family and friends, and eventually, competitive camps.
Though, early competition brought frustration. “I left the last day of camp crying,” Chen recalled. “I remember being really frustrated that there were other kids better than me.” This wasn’t simply about losing; it was about a deeply ingrained desire to improve. “I’ve always been competitive in a sense of realizing I can do more,” she explained. “I’ve always wanted to do more and be better.”
The pursuit of improvement led to weekly sessions, tournaments, and a demanding schedule that intensified as she approached high school. A family move to Marham, Ontario, disrupted her training, ultimately leading to a hiatus from the sport. By the time COVID-19 arrived, Chen believed her badminton career was over. “That’s when I thought I was done with badminton… I’m never picking up the racket again,” she said.
During this period, Chen’s creative side blossomed. Inspired by her father’s passion for film and photography, she began experimenting with video editing. He always had a camera with him, documenting family life, and gifted Chen her own camera at a young age. This passion evolved into a talent, culminating in a YouTube channel with over 1,500 subscribers. Her vlog documenting TMU’s badminton team’s trip to the 2025 National Championship in Laval has already amassed over 26,000 views, a testament to her growing skills and a natural fit with her marketing minor.
“I love to edit,” Chen said. “It’s highly therapeutic.” The videos also serve as a personal archive, allowing her to revisit cherished memories. “I’ll go look at my old vlogs and they just bring back so much memory and nostalgia,” she explained. “I watch them back and I know exactly how I felt in that moment.”
Chen’s journey also involved navigating her identity as a first-generation Canadian. While initially struggling with the cultural shift, she ultimately embraced her Canadian identity while remaining deeply connected to her Taiwanese and Chinese roots. “I’m not taking away from being Taiwanese and being Chinese,” she said. “But I feel very comfortable in where I sit in society and I feel Canadian.”
It was a friend from TMU’s Chinese Student Association who ultimately rekindled her passion for badminton. After months of encouragement, Chen reluctantly agreed to attempt out for the Bold’s varsity team, initially intending to demonstrate how much she’d lost. However, stepping onto the court again sparked something within her.
“I wasn’t thinking that I necessitate to get better again,” Chen said. “I realized how fun it could be, even when Notice so many people out there who are better than you. As long as I’m putting my best foot forward, I always have a great time.”
Chen’s approach to badminton reflects her broader philosophy: the process and progress are as crucial as the outcome. “I want to make sure every rally is worth it,” she said. “Even if I lose, I want to make sure the opponent had a hard time winning the game.”
This refreshing perspective has extended beyond the court, making her a natural leader within the team, particularly with a significant influx of rookies this season. Chen has taken it upon herself to foster a welcoming environment, purchasing items like a megaphone, decorations, and face paint to boost team spirit. “I hope it’s a good vibe,” she said. “I want the team to love the tournament as much as I do.”
Even her pre-match routine reflects this meticulous approach. Chen has a specific way of putting on her socks and shorts – left side first – a superstition she adopted last season. It’s a small ritual that embodies her belief in taking things one step at a time.
As Chen prepares for the OUA Badminton National Championship, she embodies a unique blend of confidence, humility, and a deep appreciation for the journey. She’s a student-athlete who understands that success isn’t solely defined by victories, but by the growth, connections, and self-discovery along the way.
The TMU Bold badminton team will compete at the OUA Championships, dates and location to be announced by the league. Follow Audrey Chen and the TMU Bold badminton team for updates and results.
