Oscar Guo going to Youth Olympic Games

Westlake Boys’ High School badminton player Oscar Guo has been named to the New Zealand team for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

The 17 year old was selected following strong results at international events early in the year, including the Men’s Singles title at the North Harbour International – his first international title at a senior level.

Guo was ranked 12th on the Badminton World Federation Junior World Ranking List for the Youth Olympic Games and will compete in the men’s singles event and the mixed team event, where he will team up with other youth athletes from around the world.

Guo says he’s looking forward to the Youth Olympic Games and plans to learn a lot from the experience.

“I’m excited to represent New Zealand at the highest level. I hope to perform well on the world stage and put New Zealand on the map.

“I have a long preparation over the next 5 months so I’ll be working hard with our National Coach to peak at the games.”

He began playing the sport at just four years old.

“I was always at the badminton hall as a child as my parents played a lot. It wasn’t long before I picked up a racket too.”

Career highlights so far for Guo was winning the North Harbour International Singles title (first senior international title) and being crowned Oceania Junior Champion back to back (2015 and 2017)

He says he is inspired by wanting to perform well for his family and friends and for himself. “I want to be satisfied and know at the end of the games I did my best and I have no regrets. I want to eventually go to the Olympic Games and perform well on the world stage.”
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Badminton New Zealand Chief Executive Joe Hitchcock extended his congratulations to Guo.

“We are very proud of Oscar’s achievement. He is a dedicated player who trains and competes exceptionally hard.

“His selection is well-earned, and we have no doubt that Oscar will deliver his best performance in Buenos Aires.”

While no further quota places are available the NZOC has also conditionally selected Jenny Zhu subject to a quota place being reallocated from another country.

The Youth Olympic Games run from 6–18 October 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.