Cook Islands News profiles two more athletes who will be representing the country in tennis for the Pacific Mini Games, which will get underway on June 17.

Brett Baudinet - Tennis

Age – 40

Island and village – Rarotonga (family is Atiuan), Takuvaine 

What future goals/ambitions you have in the sport? To continue representing the Cook Islands and the Pacific Oceania Tennis Teams on an international level. Also, I would like to give back to Tennis Cook Islands by helping where I can with our junior development programmes. 

What ambitions you have outside of sports (career, education, etc)? I am a serial entrepreneur with a big desire to bring innovative, creative and sustainable solutions and services to the Pacific Islands

What you love about your sport? Tennis is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful sports in the world. It combines many aspects in the sport which makes it extremely difficult to be great at but yet provides a great deal of excitement and satisfaction as you continue to grow in the sport.

What events and Competitions have you competed in? Many world level events including 18 years on the Pacific Oceania Davis Cup team, World Youth Games in Moscow, Asia Pacific Tennis League held at the Australia Open, to name a few. 

What are your achievements in the sport (medals, placings, representing the country, personal bests etc)? Davis Cup Commitment Award, Gold Medallist at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau 2005 

What pushed you to compete at international level? My love and desire for the sport since I was 5 years old. 

---

Jason Pierre - Tennis

Age – 48

Island and village – Mauke but living in Matavera

What future goals/ambitions you have in the sport? To medal in Saipan and Nations Cup this year. Pacific Games next year.

What ambitions you have outside of sports (career, education, etc)? To make Next Shipment all it can be ... and to have a whole lotta fun doing it through Facebook auctions and some other ideas we have in the pipeline. Also, after we made the polystyrene recycling machine for Eco Bags, we’re very keen on developing more machines to help the environment. Also, to coach my son Luke so he can travel the world through tennis. 

What you love about your sport?  It’s war! A mental battle just as much as a physical battle. You don’t have to be the better player to win, you can out think an opponent with an effective strategy. I love winning the matches nobody thinks I can win. I also love the incredible opportunities there are through this sport. There are opportunities to go to the US on a scholarship to fund university and train. The travel is amazing and you can play it for life.

What events and competitions have you competed in/achievements? Pacific Games, Nations Cup and Rep Tennis in NZ. Best placing personally internationally was 4^th in the Nations Cup after my team mate got injured in the Semis. That was a heart breaker.

What pushed you to compete at international level? I love the sport. Why not test how far you can go? I’ve found I’m getting better the older I get, at doubles. I think my doubles partner is experiencing the same. Experience counts a lot more than I thought.