“One of the happiest days of my life”… Charles Noakes’ emotional badminton victory

The day of glory has arrived for Charles Noakes! On cloud nine for a few days, the French badminton player became Paralympic champion on Monday, September 2, at the Porte de La Chapelle arena in Paris, by beating the British Krysten Coombs in two sets (21-19, 21-13). After a tight start to the match, he made the difference at the end of the first set before taking the lead at the start of the second. In perfect harmony with the crowd, he was able to savor his consecration once the victory was obtained. “I am speechless. This may be one of the happiest days of my life.“, declared the 27-year-old parabadist on France Télévisions, still in shock after his feat.

Entered in the category of small people (SH6), the native of London, licensed at Saint-Herblain (Loire-Atlantique), added a new line to a list of achievements which already included a bronze medal at the world championships in 2024 and another silver at the European championships in 2023.