EXCLUSIVE: It's been a difficult time, but am aiming for the gold at Tokyo Olympics, says shuttle queen Carolina Marin

NEW DELHI: The reigning Olympic and European champion Carolina Marin has attained full fitness, after suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last year in the final of the Indonesian Masters. The 27 year old is now raring to get back on the court, with only one goal in sight - the Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games next year.The Spanish sensation, who turned 27 last month, sees the 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a blessing in disguise as it gives her more time to prepare for her title defence.The former world number one shuttler, who has one Olympic gold, three world and four European titles to her name is now fully focussed towards her Olympic target after overcoming the demons of her injury mentally and physically.The Spaniard who is gunning for her second successive Olympic gold spoke to TimesofIndia.com from Spain on her recovery and preparations for the Tokyo Games in an exclusive interview.Excerpts...What is your take on the Tokyo Olympics postponement and how are you preparing for your title defence?It has been a difficult time for me both physically and mentally but the fact of having more time to prepare for the Games is a good thing for me and my team and I will go for the Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021.How have you kept yourself motivated during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic?As I mentioned before, it has been very tough, but I kept myself motivated thinking of the Olympic Games in Tokyo and with the help of my technical team and my psychologist.Tell us about the importance of a psychologist in an athlete's life and especially when you work with two of them - one for sports and other for your personal life.For me these two persons are very important. My life is very tough, I have a lot of stress and my two psychologists help me a lot to calm down , keep myself balanced and motivated and focus on the most important things, both in the social and sportive areas.The Corona crisis has affected everyone in the world in some way or the other. For athletes, in general, how difficult has this phase been according to you?Yes, that is true, and first of all I would like to thank all these people that have been taking care of us and providing all the services needed for the rest of the people to be safe at home. Regarding athletes, it has also been very tough for all the athletes throughout the world. But I don't want to be complaining at all times and I always look forward and keep fighting.You had a terrible ACL injury in 2019 followed by a surgery. Have you attained full fitness?Yes, I feel completely recovered from that injury. That injury is the past and is not a problem for me anymore.There is a lot of hue and cry by international players over the scheduling of the revised 2020 BWF calendar. Your take on that.Well, it's very difficult to say now. We are facing very difficult moments of Covid 19 pandemic throughout the world.Your style of play is quite aggressive and attacking on the court. How are you as a person when you are off the court?I'm a completely different person out of court. I'm a very calm and down to earth person and I love to share time with my friends and family.