Three-time badminton world champion Huang Yaqiong is in full preparation mode for her second Olympic outing in Paris, hoping for a better time than she had in Tokyo three years ago.

The 30-year-old narrowly missed out on gold alongside partner Zheng Siwei in the mixed doubles final. After a brief period of new partnerships, Huang and Zheng reunited in 2022 and were able to get back to top form. 

The duo head to France boasting a record of 38 consecutive victories, and having secured the world number one spot for the sixth season in a row. They are also three-time world champions. And as they gear up for Paris, Huang is keen on learning from past experiences and keeping her composure in a bid for redemption.

"During the last Olympics, I was very cautious in everything I did because I wanted to win too much, which had a counter-productive effect. I was often anxious, which is not like me at all, I'm a very calm person. For this Olympics, I want to be myself again," Huang said.

(Cover: China's Zheng Siwei (L) and Huang Ya Qiong celebrate with the trophy on the podium during the Indonesia Open badminton event in Jakarta, Indonesia, June 9, 2024. /CFP )