Gail enjoyed her badminton ‘comeback’ at the English National Badminton Championships on 8-9 February 2014. After retiring from the sport after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, she decided to return to play in one of her favourite tournaments played close to her home in Milton Keynes.

Gail teamed up with last year’s mixed doubles runner-up Marcus Ellis to defeat Ben Stawski and Alex Langley in their second-round contest after an opening bye. During her illustrious career, she won this mixed doubles title six times but ultimately lost to England’s new international stars of mixed doubles in Adcock and her husband Chris in the quarter-finals.

She also reached the quarter-finals in the women’s doubles with Ella Tripp before ultimately losing to top seeds and defending champions Gabby Adcock and Lauren Smith.

When asked whether she would consider coming back next year, Gail said “It could happen, why not? It’s fun, there’s no pressure and I want more oldies to come and play. If I play then there’s no excuse for them not to either!”

To book Gail Emms as an after dinner speaker for your event or conference please call: 08453 31 30 31