Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms MBE has called on badminton’s GB players to savour every moment of the Rio Olympic Games.

The badminton competition starts on August 11 at the Riocentro Pavilion 4.

It is the first time badminton has been scheduled in the second week of an Olympic Games and Emms believes that has its drawbacks.

“When I competed I was first up and you’re buzzing, you’re so hyped up and you want to get started straightaway.

“Playing later in the schedule, they’re going to see other Team GB athletes competing and the waiting is the hard bit.” Her advice is to get the Olympic fever out of the system in the first couple of days to concentrate on competing.

Emms, who has recently been appointed to the GB board, says it’s important for the players to enjoy the Olympic experience.

“The Olympics is overwhelming and so are the emotions. It’s a very special moment. I would advise the players to try and enjoy it and live the moment fully.

“You don’t realise until you’re out of it what is it you go through. It’s a unique experience for everybody.

“For Raj [Ouseph] and Chris [Adcock] it’s their second Olympic Games so they’re the ones that can be the big brothers of the group and help the others through their first experience.”

For the first time since Sydney 2000, GB have qualified athletes in all five disciplines – men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and the mixed doubles. “It’s great to have every discipline represented in Rio,” said Emms.

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