In a conversation with ‘SportsIn’, Cristina Aicardi, Peru’s national badminton coach, outlined in Lima the key factors behind the performance of Inés Castillo, recent gold medallist in women’s singles at the Ayacucho–Lima 2025 Bolivarian Games. Aicardi explained that the athlete’s mindset has been essential in consolidating her progress throughout the competitive cycle.
A former elite player herself, Aicardi was part of the Peruvian national team from 1996 to 2012. During her sporting career she captured international titles, including a women’s doubles gold medal and several podium finishes at the 2010 South American Games. After retiring from competition, she became Peru’s national badminton coach and currently works directly with Castillo.
Serenity, emotional control and performance
Aicardi noted that Castillo’s most distinctive trait is her emotional stability under pressure. “What I admire most about her character is her ability to remain serene in moments of tension and frustration,” she said, emphasising how this attribute shapes her shot selection and her decision-making throughout the match.
The coach explained that this quality provides a competitive edge in a sport that demands constant precision. “She has a remarkable ability to put those moments behind her and keep going, something I didn’t have myself, so I admire it deeply,” she added. Aicardi believes this mental strength has allowed Castillo to maintain consistent progress and adapt quickly to changing situations on court.
Aicardi also highlighted the daily commitment that complements that emotional balance. She described Castillo’s personal level of demand as a decisive factor in her performance, calling it the “silent secret” behind her preparation. According to Aicardi, this attitude has been key to sustaining high-intensity training even on heavy workload days: “She almost reaches a desperate need to train at any moment,” she explained.
The invisible training behind the Bolivarian gold
The coach recalled that the athlete often pushes beyond the planned training schedule. “She may be extremely tired or just coming out of a competition, and what she wants most is to train,” she said. Aicardi noted that this reflects a constant commitment to technical and physical improvement, supported by long-term discipline.
This dynamic becomes especially clear when effort needs to be regulated. Aicardi said she frequently has to insist on the importance of rest. “Inés, we’ve already trained, I’m a bit busy now,” she recounted, before describing the player’s usual response: “No, no, please, I need to train now.” She explained that this intensity is part of the process that is not always visible from the outside.
