Speaker Profile

Inspirational and dedicated to her sport, Gail Emms is a retired badminton player who won a number of medals (including an Olympic silver) during her highly successful career. Participating in both women’s and mixed doubles tournaments, she consistently achieved results that placed her at the top of the world rankings.

Gail took up the sport at the age of four and only three years later she was playing in tournaments - it was soon apparent that a glittering career lay ahead. In 1995 she was chosen to represent England, and upon graduation from university in 1998, Gail became a full time professional player with the help of a National Lottery grant.

The Commonwealth Games in 2002 saw Gail win a gold (mixed team) and a bronze medal (women's doubles). Two years later a gold medal (mixed doubles) at the European Championships followed, along with a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in the mixed doubles.

2006 was another successful year for Gail. Three medals were added to her impressive collection at the 2006 Commonwealth Games - a silver in the team event, a bronze in the women's doubles and a gold in the mixed doubles. An additional gold followed at the 2006 World Championships.

Following her retirement in 2008, Gail has worked as a badminton coach, a motivational speaker and also as a TV commentator.