Photo Credit: Pacific Games News Service – Therese Rivers
Johanna Kou boasts an impressive portfolio in the badminton world.
The New Caledonian superstar recently won her third consecutive Gold Medal in the Women’s Doubles at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, having won the previous two events in Fiji 2007 and New Caledonia 2011.
Photo Credit: Pacific Games News Service
She also left Samoa with a Bronze in the Mixed Doubles and a Silver medal in the Mixed Team event.
Her administration experience spans across the Pacific, acting as President for the New Caledonia Badminton Federation, Executive Board Member for Badminton Oceania and National Junior Squad Coach.
The latter role emphasises Kou’s significance in New Caledonia as she took the Gold medal alongside fellow compatriot, Dgéniva Matauli, who has come through Kou’s coaching regime as a junior player.
Matauli also stunned the Women’s Singles draw after ousting the first seed on route to the Gold medal, where Kou has previously medalled (Silver in 2007 and Bronze in 2011).
Johanna is unsure whether she will go on to defend a fourth Gold medal in the next Pacific Games, however, she remains confident to stay involved with badminton.
“I am proud to have been able to retain the women double title acquired since the games of 2007 and 2011, knowing that it was always a hard competition with the Fijians. I don’t know yet if I will make the next Pacific games because it will depend essentially on my physical condition and if I remain competitive”
“As there are few women in Caledonia I try to stay on top so that it pushes the girls to progress to reach my level and succeed to fight as it is the case of Dgéniva who was part of my junior squad”, says Johanna Kou.
Despite showing no signs of throwing in the towel yet, Kou is eager to see the future talent come through and take her spot in the team.
“Of course I hope to give my place as a player as soon as possible to devote myself entirely to coaching and managing players”, says Johanna Kou.
