Pictured: Shevaun Moody (far right) – line Judge at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games.
BWF Line Judge, Shevaun Moody (from Australia) will be attending her first Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Excited by her first Olympics experience, Shevaun tells us more about her journey as a line judge, giving an insight into the intense levels of concentrations needed – ie. ‘choosing the right moment to blink’.
Additionally, Shevaun talks about the importance of communication and engagement among the team of court officials in ensuring a fair contest between all players.
Listen to what she has to say about the upcoming Olympic experience in this Q+A:
Is this your first Olympic Games? If not, can you tell us about previous Oly experience?
This is my first Olympic Games. I have line judged in two Commonwealth Games, but never at the Olympics.
What was your initial reactions after receiving a letter of position at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games?
When I received an email from the BWF stating that I had been selected to go to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, I couldn’t believe it at first. I had to read the email again and again. I felt very excited, humbled and grateful that I had been selected.
What are you most looking forward to when line judging in Tokyo?
As always with the badminton tournaments, I am looking forward to meeting new people that share such a passion for badminton. I also cannot wait to watch the best players in the world fight it our for the Olympic gold medal and make history. Finally, I would like to learn how to count to ten in Japanese.
Can you give us a snapshot of the highest level of tournaments you have umpired at?
Sure. In my role as a line judge, I have officiated at two Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018), alongside the Sudirman Cup Finals, Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok, VICTOR Oceania Championships, the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games and the Macau Open – a HSBC BWF World Tour 300 event.
How do you maintain your focus when judging a line and not get distracted?
I guess line judging is not just about watching the lines. It’s about working as a team with your fellow line judges and umpires. We could even communicate with the Umpire non-verbally about what could be happening outside the courts, like coaching from the side lines for example. It’s hard work at times and can involved very long hours and little breaks – but this depends on the tournament and quantity of line judges.
Personally, I try and block everything out of my mind, but the game. I keep an eye on the score, the players and umpires. But most importantly i never take my eyes off the line while the shuttle is in play. You almost have to pick you moment when to blink.
Overall I am looking forward to the amazing experience. I am truly grateful to be nominated as a BWF line judge at the Olympics.
Not sure how, where or when to watch the badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games? Check out the international broadcasters and schedule here.
