Wanderers Club badminton player encourages sport for fitness
Gail Elizabeth Mcloughlin holds 17 national titles.
Wanderers Club’s badminton player Gail Elizabeth Mcloughlin, who holds 17 national titles, reflects on her 40-year sporting career.
Mcloughlin began playing the sport at age six, and the decision to play was inspired by her parents who played and represented Kwa-Zulu Natal at some point.
“I have been playing for over 40 years. I am now 63; I stopped for a while when my two sons were small.”
She added that the game was fast and required skill.“ You don’t need to be particularly strong; you need agility and speed. It was a sport I enjoyed through my school and university years.”
Mcloughlin highlighted that she held 17 national titles: Masters, Grand Master, and Silver Eagles which made all the training and time put into the sport worthwhile.
She has played most of her tournaments in South Africa but played the All England Seniors event in the United Kingdom.
“This event is held yearly. I had the opportunity to play to test my game against the international players. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I did not win many games but managed to hold my own. The mixed doubles event was the most successful.”
Mcloughlin noted that badminton has taught her patience when playing singles because the game of singles requires a high level of fitness and endurance. One has to be patient and play many shots until one can hit the winning shot either by getting the opponent out of place or unable to retrieve the shot.
“Perseverance to keep going to get the win. Winning is not everything though the pleasure of playing and friendships built are worth more.”
Her advice to aspiring badminton players is that it is a wonderful game that can be played at all levels.
“The game keeps you fit and will open many doors for you. Badminton is an Olympic sport now. There are many tournaments in the junior section, such as the All Africa that you might be selected for. It is a pity, however, that there is no sponsorship for our sport.”
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