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Humans of Shuttle Time: Lorenzo Torres

TEXT BY BWF STAFF

This is the 60th story in our Humans of Shuttle Time series, in which we present the perspectives of those who are involved with badminton at the grassroots level. Lorenzo Alfredo José Avila Torres, Shuttle Time Teacher with Badminton Federation of Venezuela, speaks about his journey in badminton.

Childhood Days

I was born in a small town in the state of Guarico. My mother was a schoolteacher and my father a merchant. During my childhood, I played football, basketball and baseball. As the son of a teacher, I was raised with strong values and a strong work ethic, always knowing that perseverance and effort bring rewards.

I was introduced to badminton in 2013, when I was working as a handball coach for my state and sharing the gym with the state’s badminton team.

Shuttle Time in Venezuela.

First Experience

What sparked my interest was it’s a sport that requires a lot of discipline, is highly technical, fast and dynamic, with an impressive level of mental and physical demand.

After retiring as a handball coach, I had the opportunity to work with the badminton coaches from my state, who encouraged me to take the Shuttle Time course and become a grassroots coach. By 2020, I was already certified and became a national umpire. That same year, I started my own club, which serves children between the ages of six and 15.

Memorable Moments

By 2020, I served as a line judge at the National Games, which is the highest-level sporting event in the country. Later, I was an umpire at the National Games of the Military Institutes of Venezuela. In 2024, I was an umpire at the International Open held in the city of Maracay, where I had the opportunity to meet and watch Giovanni Toti, an Italian player who competed in the Olympic Games. I was also the umpire for his singles and doubles finals.

I had the chance to interact with several high-level athletes. At the national level, I’ve witnessed the talent of athletes like Frank Barrios and Willian Barrios. During the 2024 National Games, I saw the promise of players like Luis David Martínez, two-time national champion, and Denisse Arbelaez, who, despite being limited by an injury, gave everything on the court in what was an unforgettable experience.

But what has truly changed my life is seeing the growth of the athletes in my club and being able to teach values through badminton.

Torres at a Shuttle Time session.

What Badminton Means

Badminton for me is a tool to change lives; it is a refuge where any worry fades away. In general, badminton – both personally and professionally – has been an activity to integrate, to socialise, to bring families together and to give my kids a purpose and a life goal.

After having been a coach in elite-level football and handball, I can confidently say that badminton is a fascinating sport where physical and mental skills are pushed to the limit. The technical aspect is fundamental and the dynamic nature of the game is truly captivating.

Developing Badminton in the Community

Developing badminton has been very rewarding. Seeing the journey from not even knowing how to hold a racket to reaching national championships is remarkable. It’s also inspiring as a coach to watch the kids remain consistent, hardworking and focused, because badminton has taught them responsibility and given them the values to become good citizens.

Impact of Shuttle Time

The Shuttle Time programme takes us from an empirical approach to a more technical understanding, where the work is planned, controlled and progressive.

Knowing that the process is fundamental, going step by step overcoming goals is important and giving the necessary continuity to learning.

Previous Stories in This Series

Humans of Shuttle Time: Gabriel Martin

Humans of Shuttle Time: Alžbeta Peruňská

Humans of Shuttle Time: Yacin Mahmoud Ali

Humans of Shuttle Time: Asylbek uulu Meerbek

Humans of Shuttle Time: Anil Seepaul

Humans of Shuttle Time: Kazadi Kazadi Joel

Humans of Shuttle Time: Wilma Tupu

Humans of Shuttle Time: Laia Oset Moncho

Humans of Shuttle Time: Aisarova Jasmin

Humans of Shuttle Time: Saygufron Davletov