Imogen Bankier going for badminton gold

[divingbrit]

BADMINTON star Imogen Bankier is determined to win Team GB’s first ever gold medal at the London Olympics.

The 24-year-old is hopeful of going one better than the silver won by Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson in Athens 2004.

And she believes the roar of a home crowd might just be enough to spur her and partner Chris Adcock on to mixed-doubles glory.
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The duo won silver at last year’s World Championships, and Imogen said: “Gail and Nathan were the last Team GB medallists when they won silver in Athens in 2004, so we want to go one better than that.

“We’re quietly confident because our form has been good and we’ve been consistent. But all the pairs are good and on their day can beat anyone.

“We would love to emulate them or even go one better.”

Imogen and Chris are currently ranked 14th in the world and are in the middle of a battle to secure their qualification for this summer’s Games.

Only one of three Team GB duos is granted automatic qualification to the Games - unless two of them can reach the top eight by the time the qualifying period ends in May.

She added: “Training’s been going really well - we’re about halfway through Olympic qualifying, which runds from May 2011 to May 2012.

“We’ve got about seven more events but we’re on track. We’re currently the top Team GB pair - but there’ll be a lot of movement amongst the pairs but we’re doing OK.

“Nathan Robertson has a new partner now - Jenny Wallwork - and we’re competing against them. At the same time, we’re training with them every day so it’s excellent for us.”

Their determination to perform at the highest level is driven by their intense training schedule, where they work for around five hours a day, combining court practice with gym work physio and gym work.

Imogen and Chris’ podium finish at last year’s World Championships was in London’s Wembley Arena - where the Olympic finals will take place.

And the pair are adamant that home support is something they will use to their advantage when they take to the court.

Imogen said: “Playing in front of a home crowd is massive and it can’t be underestimated. To have the opportunity to play in a home Games is huge.

“We had the World Championships at Wembley Arena - which is where the Olympics will be - and to reach the final there gave us a taste of what it will be like.

“The home support was fantastic and it really helped us do well, it was a big part.

“So at the back of my mind, to have that on our side again is a massive advantage.

“Wembley Arena is a special place and it’s got a history for badminton as well and it couldn’t have been better.

“Badminton is already sold out next year so it will be absolutely amazing.

“My friends and family will hopefully be right there supporting me next year - I can’t wait.”

.mirror.co.uk