Anthony A. Foster, Youth Writer 
CARLINGTON WILMOT/ Freelance Photographer
National Under-19 badminton player John Martin has such a strong and determined demeanour that when he suffers a string of failures, he rejuvenates his mind by thinking about how far he has come in the sports.
While he has been chalking up successes on the regional badminton level, hoping to qualify for the next Olympic Games, he has also been holding court in the classroom. The 17-year-old-Calabar High School upper sixth form student has seven CXC subjects under his belt.
Martin was instrumental in Jamaica's runner-up finish in the 1998 Caribbean Badminton championship in Barbados where he won two silver medals -- one in the single and the other in the doubles. He also pocketed a bronze medal in the mixed doubles.
One of Martin's biggest achievements came in 1999 when he teamed up with Charles Pine to win gold in the doubles at an Eastern Caribbean tournament.
In the same year, he won two bronze medals in the Manhattan Badminton championship. He also captained Calabar to the 2000 All-Island school title.
Youth Link caught up with Martin while he was training at the Constant Spring Badminton Club earlier this year.
Youth Link: How did you get involved in Badminton?
John Martin: I started at school (Calabar) and my brother played the sport.
YL: Why do you like Badminton?
JM: I like every sport, but I prefer racket sports. The requirements (for the sport) helped me a lot mentally and physically.
YL: How long have you been playing?
JM: I have been playing for five and a half years.
YL: What is your most memorable moment?
JM: It was at the Caribbean Games in Barbados when I reached the finals. That was good.
YL: What's your most disappointing moment?
JM: I have a lot of them. One of my disappointments was at the local tournament where I was the number one seed and got knocked out by a former player.
YL: What goal do you hope to achieve in the sports and how far are you from achieving them?
JM: I would love to represent my country in the Olympics. This year is my last year in the juniors and with all the training and dedication I should reach my goal.
YL: Have you ever felt like giving up the sport?
JM: Yes, there have been times when I lost enthusiasm to some extent. But I didn't fully lose hope.
YL: What are the key factors to your success?
JM: In every sport you need discipline. Badminton is one of the most demanding sports.
YL: Who is your role model?
JM: George Hugh and Dr. Kingsley Ford.
YL: What would you like to do in the future?
JM: I intend to go in the field of law
YL: What is your advice to the youth?
JM: Believe in yourself and go for what you want.
