At just 16, Chloe Lia is already proving that dedication, talent, and a little bit of courage can take you from local club courts to the continental stage.
The Wanderers Badminton Club player represented South Africa at the African Youth Games in Angola from December 10 to 20, competing against top young athletes from 54 nations in a multi-sport event that also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics.
Chloe walked onto the court in the girls’ doubles event with nerves tingling, but confidence in her stride. “It was nerve-wracking, especially playing against the strong Ghanaian team, but my partner and I trusted our training and the support from our coach, and we gave it our all. I was proud to represent my country and to play at such a high-level event.”
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She and her cousin, her doubles partner, made a seamless team, thanks to years of practising together at Wanderers. “We know each other’s rhythm and strengths, which makes communication on court easier and helps us set up points strategically.” Their chemistry proved crucial as they fought their way to a silver medal, a remarkable achievement on such a big stage.
Chloe’s journey in badminton began just over four years ago. Drawn to the sport’s speed, technical skills, and variety of shots, she quickly developed a love for the game.
Her competitive career also took off rapidly, starting with regional events before moving on to national competitions. A major milestone came in 2023 at the U15 All Africa Championships, where team South Africa won gold for the first time in 11 years, and Chloe herself secured a bronze medal in girls’ doubles.
Since then, she has competed in a string of continental and international tournaments, including the U19 All Africa Championships, South Africa Internationals, and the Botswana International, each experience sharpening her skills and her mental game.
It was during the U19 Championships that Chloe set herself a new target: To become the best junior player in South Africa and earn a spot on the senior national team.
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Training five times a week across the Wanderers Club and John Barrable Hall, Chloe balances her demanding schedule with school commitments. “I stay focused in class so I can dedicate time to training and tournaments.” Her disciplined approach and passion for improvement underpin her growing success.
The African Youth Games presented unique challenges beyond the competition itself. A new relay format in the team event meant faster matches and little room for error. “Sometimes you had to play immediately after finishing your previous match, so you had to be ready at all times.”
The hard work paid off. Team South Africa topped the medals table, claiming a record-breaking 99 medals, a historic achievement that Chloe is proud to have contributed to.
Looking ahead, Chloe has her eyes firmly on the future. As the youngest member of the South African senior national team, she aims to help her country win the All Africa Senior Championship and earn a spot in the U19 All Africa Championships later this year.
“I want to perform at my best in both team and individual events, and hopefully medal again.”
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