Paralympics 2024: One year later, a look back at the career of Charles Noakes, parabadminton gold medalist

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A year after his gold medal at theParis Paralympic Games, Charles Noakes is still abusing the courts, training seven hours a day, the price to pay to stay at the top. In the summer of 2024, the athlete won the para-badminton final, and entered the spotlight and hearts of the French people. "Today, there are quite a few people who will take my picture because I have become a champion. When I was younger, there were people who made fun of me while taking pictures. The greatest victory that can happen to me today is to see all the love that the French give me," shares the gold medalist.

After the Games, the athlete gave interviews, was invited everywhere, attracted sponsors, and gave conferences. "I saw that there were quite a few requests coming in, and I was a little overwhelmed. To find a certain serenity, a certain stable rhythm of life, I resumed training to return to my roots, where I am happiest," continues Charles Noakes.

But it's not necessarily easy to return to everyday life. "There's a bit of a blues feeling, it's a bit strange. I'd say we're going downhill before we go back up," confides Mourad Amrani, Charles Noakes's coach.

In his daily life, Charles Noakes, 27, hasn't changed much. He still lives with his parents, but his mother has noticed a change. "I think he's basically the same, but maybe he's gained a confidence. Confidence that he can accomplish things he didn't think possible a few years ago," says Sylvie Noakes, Charles Noakes' mother.

His new status also gives him a responsibility. "Our role is to be a kind of role model, and to bring a sense of hope too, to prove to others that anything is possible when you want, you can," assures Charles Noakes.

Now, the champion wants to make badminton history. With his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, his motto remains the same: "be born small, but dream big."