I worked with Fred for more than six years. Having started competitive badminton fairly late compared to the usual age, my parents had the idea of introducing me to Frédéric to focus on the mental side.
We clicked quickly. Frédéric played a major part in my progress over the years.
Our collaboration began as I was transitioning into the senior ranks. We worked a lot on the mental aspects of performance, and I saw many benefits in how my mental game took shape.
Over time, our work evolved, and he became a genuine performance coach in a broader sense. He was there to support me through major decisions (for example, changing coaches, or building out my staff the way I needed to), and through pivotal, sometimes difficult moments, like the COVID period.
The most concrete mental impact: he helped me better manage my progress, channel my emotions on court, and step up toward operating like a high-level athlete — and, more broadly, toward living a real athlete's life.
After more than six years of collaboration that brought me a great deal, we both felt it was time to end it. I had reached a very interesting international level, developed a wide range of general skills, and above all, strengthened my mental skills.
I really appreciated his availability, his determination, and his commitment. He's a professional with an approach that's both gentle and powerful, if I can put it that way.
I know he'll always be there if I need him, but today I feel I have many, many tools to go as far as I can in my career.
Frédéric Damato
An immense thank-you, Marius, for this absolute trust over all these years. It was a pleasure and an honour to support you through this beautiful progression to the international level.