Smash Pilipinas, Babolat fuel 11-year-old’s Olympic dream

MANILA, Philippines - Jewel Angelo Albo aspires to be the next Filipino badminton Olympian after 1996 Olympian Weena Lim.

Considered by many as the next big thing in badminton, the 11-year-old Albo aims to become part of the Philippine Badminton Association Smash Pilipinas national team in upcoming years and compete for gold medals in various international tournaments like the Olympics.

Albo, who bagged the boys’ Under-13 and Under-15 singles titles last year in the Palarong Pambansa, Sun Cellular National Juniors Championship, Toby’s tourney and Batang Pinoy, is currently trained by his father, former national player Wilfredo Albo who is the head coach of team JB in Taytay Rizal.       

“I always train hard and follow all the directives of my father because I really want to be a national player. Everybody likes to be a national player and represent the country especially in the Olympics,” says the Antipolo Immaculate Conception student.

“It will be a daunting task to any athlete, but I will give it a try,” says the right-handed Albo, who uses the X-Act Babolat racquet most of the time in different competitions. “So, I hope someday , I’ll make it to the Olympics. I will do my best.”

Babolat, the world’s most effective badminton racquet and equipment provider, is currently supporting Albo’s campaign in tournaments here and abroad.

“We believe that Albo is the future of Philippine badminton and Babolat is here to support him,” says Guilly Nocom of Babolat.

Albo also explains that making himself emotionally and physically fit are the keys to his success. He also says that his father always reminds him to pray because prayers are also very important before and during competitions.

“I also thank Babolat because they help me a lot. Winning is easy with Babolat,” says Albo. “I become more comfortable with their apparels. I also like the racquets that I’m using everyday and also the shoes that I’m using.”

One of the greatest highlights of Albo’s young career was in last year’s Asia Junior Sports Exchange Game in Tokyo, Japan where he led his team to No. 4 out of 17 teams.

“I upset one Indonesian player out there in a single match that I never thought I could beat. The crowds really loved me after that match,” he says.