Nathaniel’s passion for badminton began at the age of eight, during a casual outing with his family. Drawn to the sport’s speed and intensity, he quickly took up the game with the support of his parents and began his journey as a junior player. 

Since then, he has achieved strong results in both singles and doubles, showcasing his growth as a competitive player. Some of his notable achievements in 2025 include:

• Ballarat Open 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 2 U13 Boy’s Singles Winner

• Ballarat Open 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 2 U13 Boy’s Doubles Runners-up

• Ballarat Open 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 2 U13 Mixed Doubles Winner

• 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 3 U15/U19 (Silver) U15 Boy’s Singles Semi-finalist

• 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 4 U13 Boy’s Singles Winner

• 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 4 U13 Boy’s Doubles Runners-up

• 2025 AIA Junior Circuit 4 U13 Mixed Doubles Winner

• 2025 Ballarat AIA Junior Circuit 5 U15 State Titles: U15 Boy’s Doubles Runners-up

• 2025 ACT Junior Open U13 Boy’s Doubles Winners

• 2025 ACT Junior Open U15 Boy’s Doubles Runners-up

But badminton has given Nathaniel far more than medals and trophies. As a sport that demands physical agility, endurance, and coordination, it has shaped his development in meaningful ways. 

"The biggest and most notable changes in Nathaniel since starting the sport are definitely improvements in his mental resilience, discipline, and overall confidence," his parents share. "These have developed gradually through many hours of hard training and tournament experiences." 

Indeed, the transformation isn’t just physical. Badminton has become a powerful teacher in Nathaniel’s life—cultivating patience in practice, perseverance in setbacks, and a belief in his ability to keep growing. Yet, for Nathaniel himself, one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey has been the friendships he’s formed along the way. 

“The friendships I’ve made so far have been the most valuable part of my journey in badminton,” Nathaniel says. “Regardless of whether they’re from the same club or even the same state, I’ve made great friends and shared unforgettable moments with them, both in training and in tournaments.” 

Through his time on court, Nathaniel has learned that the spirit of sport extends beyond competition. Badminton has become a space for Nathaniel to grow — not only as an athlete but also as a person. 

As Nathaniel progresses along Badminton Victoria’s state performance pathway, there’s no doubt that his passion and dedication will take him far. Along the way, he will continue to grow and build lasting friendships—just as his parents hope and remind him: “Most importantly, enjoy the journey!”