A Year On Tour With Vittinghus - A Badminton Podcast

Thomas Cup Draw with Steen S. Pedersen

We go through all four Thomas Cup groups from the recently concluded draw ceremony.

Who do we see going through to the all decisive knock out stage and who could potentially spring a surprise?

What are the chances of China successfully defending their title and who has the most complete team?

We also look into the team of host nation Denmark, who has been severely hit by some of their best men's doubles players retiring lately.

Tune in and get up to date on what to expect from Thomas Cup 2020!

If you like what you hear, please consider supporting the podcast on patreon.com/vittinghus.

Special Guest Episode - Jan Ø. Jørgensen

In this episode Jan Ø. Jørgensen reveals why he actually hates that epic 108-shot rally against Tien Minh Nguyen at the World Championships in 2013!

We discuss Jan's recent decision to call an end to his international career later this year, but we talk even more about all of his big and historic wins over the past 10 years.

We also go into what Jan was maybe missing to be winning even more titles and how his game and playing style has evolved a lot throughout his career.

Jan also shares several fun stories from his many years on the tour and he finally reveals which of all the hairstyles he has had, is his favourite one!

Hopefully you'll enjoy the episode - and if you do, please consider supporting the work I do with it and help me develop and promote it by donating on patreon.com/vittinghus. All the funds go directly into the work with the podcast!

And remember feedback is always welcome on ayearontour@gmail.com.

Special Guest Episode - Jacob Syndberg, BWF Certificated Umpire

In the latest episode of the podcast I interview one of the best umpires in the world, Jacob Syndberg, about what life on the World Tour is like as an umpire.

We discuss the upsides and downsides of the job and how umpiring in many ways actually resembles playing - at least on the psychological level.

Jacob gives his take on what are some of the toughest situations to be in as an umpire, just as he shares what he think can be done to help make it a more sought after position, if you love the game, but can't make it to the top as a player.

Lots of other really interesting insights as well, so there's really no excuse - just press play and start listening!

(Almost) Back To Normal!

This episode offers an update on my training situation here in Denmark, where things are beginning to normalize. I also elaborate on my actual focus in training and how we are beginning to plan ahead for the start of competitive badminton again in September - if all goes well.

You also get answers on 5 listener questions:

- 3 podcast recommendations

- How well did I cope with getting back into training after the lock down

- How my strength training has changed over the course of my career

- My favourite memory with Jan Ø. Jørgensen

- Which sport I'd chosen had it not been badminton

Remember you can now support the podcast on patreon.com/vittinghus - and always give me feedback on ayearontour@gmail.com.

Thanks for listening!

Special Guest Episode - Greysia Polii

This episode welcomes Indonesian doubles star Greysia Polii to the show!

Greysia reveals her secret behind how she's successfully managed to make top 10 of the world rankings with 5 different partners through the years!

We all know Greysia for her smiling, positive, never-say-die attitude and in this episode she goes into detail about how she's worked (and still is) to master the skill of having the right attitude both on and off court through good and bad times. 

Furthermore we talk about how she manages all her other interests like music, photography, diving and much more while taking care of her badminton career.

All this and much more packed into 45 minutes of conversation, where you will undoubtly feel closer to knowing who Greysia Polii is as a person after listening. 

If you enjoy the podcast, please check out patreon.com/vittinghus for ways to support the work I do with it. Or send me an email on ayearontour@gmail.com.

Special Guest Episode - Scott Evans

In this episode 3-time Olympian and 8-time Irish men's singles national champion Scott Evans opens up and lets us know everything about what it's like to move to a different country at the age of 16 to pursue your dream.

He also shares his biggest moments, just as he talks about the darker times and disappointments, that made his successes even more meaningful. 

You'll even get to know about an experience Scott had, where the atmosphere was crazier than anything he ever tried before (which does include playing in Istora Senayan)!

Finally, Scott talks about the pros and cons of coming from a small badminton nation, both in relation to his time as a player, but also how he can use it to his advantage now as a coach.

All this and much more in this hour-long episode. 

Remember you can support the podcast on patreon.com/vittinghus and any feedback is more than welcome as a comment, review or even an email to ayearontour@gmail.com.

Special Guest Episode - Tine Baun

In another "can't-miss" episode I talk to Tine Baun about her perfect career stop by winning the All England in 2013. Did it make her doubt she made the right decision?

Tine also shares what kept her going until her major breakthrough finally came at the age of 28, just as she shares how she managed to deal with a ruptured achilles tendon and some major disappointments at the World Championships 2011 and Olympic Games 2012.

Furthermore she gives her views on topics like how women's singles has evolved, what she wants to pass on to the younger generations, why sparring with boys isn't always easy and what her ambitions are for the future.

If you find value in this podcast and want to help improve it in the future, please visit patreon.com/vittinghus.

Thanks so much for listening!

Final Four, Training Update & Questions

This episode is focused on getting you the latest news on what my training looks like now as more and more restrictions are being lifted here in Denmark.

I'll also share my view on the "drama" of the "Final Four" in the Danish League which is set to be staged on June 19-20.

Finally I'll answer three great listener questions about sponsorship, synthetic shuttles and what has given me the most drastic improvement of my game during my career. 

Remember you can support this podcast at patreon.com/vittinghus! Every small bit helps bring you even higher quality podcasts in the future.

Thanks for listening!

Special Guest Episode - Tony Gunawan

An Olympic champion and two times World Champion should guarantee high standards in this podcast!

The one and only Tony Gunawan joins the show and shares his views on a number of issues relating to his playing days, his coaching career and ambitions and also the state of badminton in USA.

He also talks about the cultural differences in badminton when comparing Indonesia, Japan and USA, just as he shares his views on how the men's doubles game has evolved over the years and what effect the change in scoring system has had on the game.

All this and much more on this episode of A Year On Tour With Vittinghus!

Remember you can support the show and help it develop at www.patreon.com/vittinghus.

If you want to know more about Tony and his badminton academy, go visit www.globalbadmintonacademy.com. 

Special Guest Episode - Steen Schleicher Pedersen

Today former head coach of the Danish national team and current World Tour commentator, Steen Schleicher Pedersen joins the podcast.

In this episode we look back at his coaching career which is well known for his great results, but also some of the tough and controversial choices he's had to make along the way. Steen also reveals if he's still dreaming of coaching at the highest level again.

We also take a look at the current situation on the competitiveness of international women's singles. Steen shares a lot of brilliant insight and takes as to why women's singles is more competitive than ever. 

The third part of the interview with Steen opens a discussion on some of the (many) major rule changes badminton has gone through over the years. We also get to know what Steen believes we can learn from American sports.

Finally Steen willingly gives some great answers to a few listener questions, like what his most memorable commentating experience is and which non-Danish player he would have loved to work with as a coach.

If you want to help this podcast develop and improve even more in the future, you now have the chance to support my work at www.patreon.com/vittinghus.
I'm specifically looking for help to add extra equipment and upgrade on the hosting as well. All to make the listener experience even better.

And remember any feedback is welcome at ayearontour@gmail.com.Thanks for listening, sharing, rating and supporting!

Thanks for listening, sharing, rating and supporting this podcast!