Shu Fits: Top singles star aims for 1st US badminton medal

In this Aug. 8, 2016 photo, United States' Howard Shu returns a shot during practice for his badminton matches at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The top-ranked American singles player has his biggest match yet when he opens play Friday, Aug. 12, in a sport known more as a lazy backyard summer game than a serious sport in the Summer Games. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) In this Aug. 8, 2016 photo, United States' Howard Shu returns a shot during practice for his badminton matches at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The top-ranked American singles player has his biggest match yet when he opens play Friday, Aug. 12, in a sport known more as a lazy backyard summer game than a serious sport in the Summer Games. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

By Associated Press August 10, 2016 4 min read

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Howard Shu was just 10 when he lost a match in his first badminton tournament to the top junior in his class.

Shu’s mother was wowed by the talent on the other side of the net and asked the winner’s mother if her son would like to compete with Howard in doubles.

The mother was blunt:

“Your son sucks.”

Shu laughed as he recalled the story that would serve as motivation for him to become more a serious badminton player. He returned to the same tournament the next year and beat the kid who was too good to team with Shu.