We come home with two badminton silver medals from the Paralympic Games. An astonishing achievement. But even more important is that we return from Paris bursting with pride from the performances of four individuals who have represented badminton beautifully during a week of intense competition and who will have inspired so many more to take up the sport.
“I have no voice left from screaming and cheering on our athletes in Paris,” Badminton England CEO Sue Storey explained. “It has been such a joyous event.
“We work so hard with our athletes to get them to the top of their game; our whole culture at Badminton England is to make sure athletes believe in their ability and are not limited by their disability.
“Dan was just amazing. He performed so, so well. He was so close to getting that gold medal, but we are so proud him for achieving his silver medal on Monday.
“And Krysten – what a crowd pleaser he was! Honestly, I think throughout the course of the Paralympics I think he has dived around more than Tom Daley! He was flying all over the place, loving every second and we are so, so proud of what they have achieved.
“Rachel wasn’t able to play in Tokyo with the classification, but she came to Paris and set foot on court to become the first female badminton Paralympian. And she did everyone so proud – we’re looking forward to seeing her take it to the next level and seeing what she can achieve in LA in four years’ time.
“And then Jack – like Rachel competing across two disciplines. He continues to be such a great ambassador for the sport. I know he will be out there in the community when he gets home, trying to encourage more people to play badminton.”
What a Paralympic Games 🤩 From your amazing badminton and fighting spirit on court to every emotion that comes with being a Parlaympic Athlete 🔥
This could not have been possible without everyone’s support, especially @uk_sport @tnluk @sport_england#Paris2024 #ParalympicsGB pic.twitter.com/rG32FyEWV2
— Badminton England (@BadmintonEnglnd) September 3, 2024
Sue is also confident that the successes of Paris will translate into inspiring more people to take up our sport up and down the country.
“This is what we expected. We went into the Paralympics expecting two medals. And we got them.
“All the players have worked so hard and head coach, Richard Morris, he sets the culture – an amazing culture that inspires everyone to get involved in para badminton.
“It couldn’t be done without the amazing support we get from the National Lottery of course. Every penny that goes into the lottery helps sport in this country – so thank you to the National Lottery for helping us to where we got to.
“Badminton is an amazing sport. It’s a sport you can play at any age, whatever level you want to, whatever ability or disability. And these players have proven how inspiring their performances can be when you are playing on the biggest stage at the top level.
“All I would say to everyone who has watched our Olympic and Paralympic athletes this summer is…pick up a racket and hit a shuttle! It’s the most joyous thing.
“There are so many opportunities to play the sport. And we’d love to get more people into para badminton. The last week has showcased what can be achieved – our athletes have set the tone out in Paris, inspiring more people to get involved in the sport.”
Badminton England are actively encouraging our clubs to become more inclusive within their club structure and delivery environments – creating more opportunities for disabled people to get involved! Don’t hesitate – find out how you can get involved in para badminton.
