Mischa Ginns only picked up a badminton racket two years ago. Now she’s preparing for her first BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand this month and Paralympic Games in Paris in August.

“Before my accident, I had never played badminton. Then I went to a Come & Try Day in Melbourne and realised just how much I loved it,” said Ginns, now 12th in WH2 women’s singles on the Race to Paris rankings.

“The last year has been busy. I started in Spain in February, then went to Bahrain, Thailand, England, Canada and ended the year in Dubai. It’s been a bit of a journey but I’m happy with my progress. Players I struggled against earlier in the year, I’m now a bit more competitive against. There’s still lots to improve on but I’m loving playing.”

Before her accident in 2012, Ginns was an active sportswoman, competitive in tennis, swimming, rowing, water polo as well as volleyball and field hockey. “But never badminton.”

An accident during a rowing competition ruptured her neck and complications following the spinal surgery left her hospitalised for four years.

“It was life-altering. I went from being able-bodied to being completely bed-bound. It was a long rehab. I still consider myself rehabilitating but I’m getting stronger and stronger. “

Putting her career as chartered accountant on hold, Ginns is now fully focused on badminton.

“I just love the technical aspect of it. I’m quite an analytical thinker and I like the strategy, the skill and the physical nature of this complex game.”

Even the slightest prospect of representing Australia at Paris 2024 has her raring to rack up more qualifying points from the NSDF ROYAL CLIFF BEACH BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, where she could compete in up to seven events.

“To think that I could be among the most elite Paralympians is just such an incredible opportunity. It only comes round once every four years. It’s the best of the best and I’m excited to play against them and shine on a big stage, to experience the atmosphere and different cultures.”