Defiant words from Marcus Fernaldi Gideon: "I'll Make It Happen Before Anyone Else Does" [Inspirational Sports Tales]
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon: A Rising Star in Badminton and Champion for Road Safety
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of badminton, began his journey in the sport at the tender age of nine. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, Gideon's passion for badminton was nurtured under the guidance of his father, Kurniahu Gideon, a former national badminton legend and coach.
By the age of seven, Gideon was already training under his father's mentorship. His dedication and talent quickly shone through, and by thirteen, he was competing professionally. This early start paid off, as Gideon has since claimed several medals, including gold and silver in doubles at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.
In 2011, Gideon clinched his first doubles title in the Singapore International Series. Interestingly, before focusing on doubles, Gideon had a successful career as a singles player, winning multiple competitions. However, it was his partnership with Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo that catapulted him to the top of the men's doubles rankings, with the pair currently holding the number one spot in the BWF world ranking.
Gideon's success in badminton has not gone unnoticed. He is one of twelve athletes chosen by Toyota to champion the Start Your Impossible initiative. This global campaign aims to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and mobile society for all. Gideon finds the initiative great and encouraging, and he is particularly focused on improving road conditions in his hometown of Jakarta.
Gideon acknowledges that achieving equal access to mobility is not easy, but he is committed to trying his best. He believes everyone should have equal access to mobility to feel free to move wherever they want. In line with this belief, Gideon hopes to use his success in badminton to raise awareness of road safety in Indonesia.
When not on the badminton court, Gideon enjoys traveling. Ora Beach in Ambon, Indonesia's Maluku province, is on his travel to-do list. His partnership with Toyota also extends beyond the Start Your Impossible initiative, as he works to make a positive impact in his community.
Looking ahead, Gideon and his partner Sukamuljo have set their sights on winning the World Championship and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 title. With their shared goals and understanding of their roles on the court, there's no doubt that they are a formidable pair.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported Gideon as one of twelve athletes to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and mobile society in 2019. Off the court, Gideon has a personal interest in watching horror movies, providing a glimpse into his life outside of badminton.
In conclusion, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon is not just a rising star in badminton, but also a champion for road safety and a committed advocate for equal access to mobility. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, both on and off the court.
