Jenny - wallwork
badminton
What was your sport and how did you get into it?
My sport is Badminton. I was introduced to the sport by my parents who both played and coached the sport internationally, my grandparents also played for fun so I guess you could say it was in the blood. I used to watch my parents compete and the moment they came off court, I was running on with my racket, desperate for a hit, they never had a minute to rest when I was around. I just loved sport in general, it changed my life in so many amazing ways from such a young age.
Tell us about the highlights of your sporting career?
Reaching Number 5 in the world
Becoming ranked number one in Great Britain
Commonwealth Games Silver and bronze medalist
European bronze medalist
European Team championships - Sliver medalist
Winner of over 20 International Titles.
Six time National champion. My most recent win was in February 2023, after ten years of retirement. I entered the Nationals with my good friend Chloe Birch and we won!! To have my children (Austin and Sienna) cheering me from the sidelines was most definitely a highlight and a moment I will never forget.
What were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?
Life as a professional sportsperson - no matter the sport - can very much feel like a roller coaster. You experience some of the highest highs and the lowest of lows.
The most challenging time in my life started in my early twenties. At a time I was performing the best in my badminton career was the time I was struggling the most. I developed an eating disorder (Bulimia) and started experiencing depression. Up until this point in my life I had never experienced poor mental health,so I found it incredibly challenging to know how to deal with what I was going through. It took me three years to reach out for support, and looking back, I just wished I had done it sooner. Although medical intervention wasn’t the answer to my recovery, speaking to those closest to me normalised what I had kept secret for so long. It was such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders to share those difficult days with the people who loved me and wanted to help. I’m so happy to be able to say that I’m over five years in to my recovery and feeling happy and healthy.
What have been your highlights while working at the Trust?
This is my tenth year working for the trust and since day one I have felt incredibly lucky to be working with such an amazing team of people. The training I've received as an athlete mentor has developed me as a person massively and I've learnt so much over the years.
I have always been passionate about helping others and to be able to do that on a variety of life changing programmes has meant so much to me. To pick one highlight would be too difficult, we’re lucky enough to work with our young people over an eight month period in which they're supported, encouraged, empowered and wholeheartedly believed in from start to finish and the difference we see in those individuals is heartwarming and truly life changing.
What do you do now alongside working for the Trust?
I work for a number of organisations alongside the trust, as a motivational speaker, mentor, coach assessor and tutor on a range of different programmes all over the country.
I also have my own business called ‘the Now project’ that delivers inspirational workshops to schools and businesses.
I’m a Level 2 Qualified Badminton coach and enjoy coaching club players once a week.
I have two wonderful children who keep me busier than I ever imagined I could be.
What life advice would you give a young person?
Surround yourself with people that make you want to be the best version of yourself, that motivate and inspire you.
What does Being Me mean to you?
Being unapologetically myself.
For me this means, Following my heart, surrounding myself with positive people, standing up for what I believe in, embracing new challenges with an open mind and not being afraid to dream BIG.
Competitive Record
National Champion - Gold
2023
Romanian International - Gold
Swedish International - Gold
2015
2013
European Mixed Team Championships - Gold
2010
Commonwealth Games - Silver
Commonwealth Games - Bronze
2006
Mixed Doubles Dutch Open - Gold
2005
Mixed Doubles Scottish Open - Gold
2004
Mixed Doubles Bulgarian International - Gold
