Team England today named ten badminton players who will represent them at Glasgow 2014.
Rajiv Ouseph, the 2010 silver medallist from Delhi, will again go in the men’s singles while the 2011 World silver medallist Chris Adcock will compete in the mixed doubles with his wife Gabby and in the men’s doubles with Andrew Ellis.
Chris and Gabby will become the first husband and wife badminton pair to play mixed doubles together for England at the Games. Gabby Adcock will also team up with Lauren Smith in the Women’s doubles.
Chris Langridge and Peter Mills form the second men’s doubles pairing, with Langridge also competing in the mixed doubles with Heather Olver. Olver will be joined by Kate Robertshaw in the women’s doubles. Sarah Walker completes the squad of five women and five men and will compete in the women’s singles.
Team England Chef de Mission Jan Paterson said: “Naming this badminton team takes the total number of athletes selected to represent Team England past the 100 mark, which is very exciting.
“Badminton has a fantastic heritage in the Commonwealth Games and this will be the sport’s 14th successive appearance and I’m very proud to say that Team England have won 33 gold medals during that period.
“I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our badminton athletes and I look forward to watching them compete in this superb sport in Glasgow.”
Chris Adcock said: “As with the Olympic Games in London, the Commonwealth Games look set to bring the country together and it will be great to compete in front of our home fans once again. I have had a good year in both my men’s and mixed doubles partnerships, so hopefully I can continue this and bring back some medals.”
Gabby Adcock said: “Having won a bronze team medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, I am definitely looking to improve on that performance in Glasgow. I have had a very solid year, including winning my first Superseries event, so I hope to build on that success this summer.”
Andrew Ellis said:“This has been a brilliant year for me, as I climbed to number nine in the world rankings alongside my partner Chris Adcock in the men’s doubles. We hope to continue to build on this and win a medal in Glasgow.”
Chris Langridge said: “I have been trying to inspire more people to find their way to play badminton in their local area and hopefully the Commonwealth Games will give the British public even more inspiration to get onto court. I will certainly be looking to return home with a medal from Glasgow and I am confident my preparation has been solid.”
Peter Mills said: “I have been looking forward to Glasgow for a long time now and to have been selected to represent my country is a great feeling. With some consistent performances this year, I am feeling confident that we can beat the top players if we bring our A-game.”
Heather Olver said: “This will be my second Commonwealth Games and I can’t wait to get to Glasgow this summer. After winning team bronze in Delhi four years ago, I am hoping to do better in front of a home crowd this time around.”
Rajiv Ouseph said: “Winning the silver medal in Delhi was a fantastic achievement and I am determined to win another medal for England this time around. I know the challenge will be tough as there are some very strong countries but I will give it everything I have to try and achieve it.”
Kate Robertshaw said:“Glasgow will be my first Commonwealth Games so I’m really eager to get into the athletes village now! It will be great to compete at such a big event and have the public supporting us.”
Lauren Smithsaid: “The Glasgow Commonwealth Games have been a goal of mine for a long time and I’m delighted to have been selected for Team England. It will be a fantastic experience, especially so close to my home town in Cumbria, and I am going to give it my all to bring back a medal.”
Sarah Walker said: “I always really enjoy playing team tournaments for England and the Commonwealth’s are one of the best team events on the calendar. It will be a great chance to compete against some of the best players and hopefully inspire more people to take up badminton.”
Name | Event | Training Base | Born/lived |
Chris Adcock | Mixed Doubles / Men’s Doubles | Milton Keynes | Leicester |
Gabby Adcock | Mixed Doubles / Women’s Doubles | Milton Keynes | Leeds |
Andrew Ellis | Men’s Doubles | Drayton Parslow | Leeds |
Chris Langridge | Men’s Doubles / Mixed Doubles | Milton Keynes | Epsom |
Peter Mills | Men’s Doubles | Nottingham | Nottingham |
Heather Olver | Mixed Doubles / Women’s Doubles | Milton Keynes | Eastbourne |
Rajiv Ouseph | Men’s Singles | Milton Keynes | Hounslow |
Kate Robertshaw | Women’s Doubles | Milton Keynes | Leeds |
Lauren Smith | Women’s Doubles | Carlisle | Carlisle |
Sarah Walker | Women’s Singles | Milton Keynes | Basildon |