Who I am, and what I live for.

Let me start off by saying if you want to read a blog about an amazing international badminton player who has a top level ranking and wins everything, you probably shouldn't waste your time here. Honestly, I'm not that great of a player yet. Although I do want to become the greatest badminton player in my nation, It's quite hard to be that far up when you have only been playing badminton for one and a half years. I have an 'insane' passion for the sport of badminton and that same passion has pushed me towards the greatest moments in my life so far.
   So who is Brad Mear? The simple answer is that I am a Canadian badminton player. All I do seems to be badminton related. I came from the small town of Campbell River, BC.  I had lived there and in an even smaller town (Fruitvale, BC) for my entire life until last June. In September of 2010, having tried, and fallen in love with the sport of badminton, I persuaded a former Danish DBF3 coach to take me under his wing. He agreed, but only if I would be dedicated enough to train before school. So for that entire year I would awaken at 5am, be picked up, and train with my coach until I had to go to school. The training, the inspiration, and the life lessons I gained from that man really shaped me into the person I am today. I would definitely not be where I am today without him.
   In June of 2010, I made a choice to change my life forever. I talked with my parents, and I contacted professional coaches abroad. I decided that I would leave the small town, my parents, and my friends behind in order to train full time at ClearOne Badminton Center, in Richmond, BC. I have never looked back since.
   In the short time I have been at ClearOne I have advanced to a level of play the former me could never even dream of. I actually now have the ability to play the best Canada has to offer. Sure, I can't win, but I am confident that will come. I can only hope that my drive to succeed and the help and support of my coaches will bring me to the top.
 *About this blog: You obviously have the choice to read this or not. It does not matter to me personally, and negative thoughts on how I don't deserve one won't make me destroy what I have created. I made this so hopefully someone will see what it takes, and what challenges are faced by young athletes who are trying to achieve dreams. If only one person's opinion on the sport of badminton changes, or pursuing dreams in the time this blog is up, that will mean I accomplished what I wanted.
"You are only truly alive when you stop letting others choose the paths you take."