More than a decade after winning silver at Athens 2004, Gail Emms says she is excited about dusting off her racquet and going for mixed doubles glory at this month’s English National Badminton Championships.
It is the ten-year anniversary of the 37-year-old topping the world rankings and she is hoping to celebrate by adding to her 12 national titles when the country’s best players descend on the K2 in Crawley.
Emms last won the mixed doubles nine years ago but came out of retirement last year to compete in the mixed and women’s doubles – reaching the quarter finals in both.
This year she will partner rising start Matthew Nottingham and says she is looking forward to soaking up the support.
“This year is a big milestone for me personally as I celebrate the ten year anniversary of becoming world number one as well as some big achievements on the international scene, such as winning the YONEX All England title,” said Emms.
“I want the badminton community to come out and support our top players again. Glasgow 2014 was a great success for English badminton and a lot of those stars will be on show at the K2.
“It’s a great intimate venue and really goes back to the roots of the Nationals.”
© Sportsbeat 2015