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“I'm Robert Hicks, and I've been part of the badminton scene in Wales for nearly six decades now.
It's been quite the journey since I first picked up a racket in the 1960s at the age of 20. I found myself at Oakdale Badminton Club, where I've spent countless hours on the court, honing my skills and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow players.
Over the years, badminton has been more than just a sport for me; it's been a way of life. I've had the privilege of playing and coaching junior players, passing on my knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation.
One of the things that has kept me hooked on badminton is its ability to keep me physically and mentally fit. Even at 79, I still feel the exhilaration of a good game on the court.
Back when I first started, community halls were our playgrounds, and our mid-game breaks consisted of fish and chips. Those were simpler times, but the love for the game remains just as strong today. I still make it a point to play at least once a week; after all, I haven't given up on badminton yet, and I don't plan to anytime soon.
I'm proud of my journey in badminton and inspiring my daughter, Helen Lane, to take up the sport. She started young, at the age of 8, and even played at the university level. Despite taking a break for 10 years to raise her children, she returned to the sport and has been playing since. At the 2024 Masters National Championships, Helen participated in the over 35 mixed and 45 ladies doubles categories.
As for me, I finished as runners-up in the men's doubles 65+ age group, a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to the love of the game. Looking ahead, I'm optimistic about the future of badminton. Together, we can continue to develop senior badminton and keep the spirit of the game alive for generations to come.”
(Badminton Wales spoke to the father-daughter duo of Robert Hicks and Helen Lane during the recently concluded 2024 Masters National Championships at the Sports Wales National Centre)
An inspiring story. Thank you for your post. It made me think now to keep playing and age is just a number.. sss
Excellent interview and a wonderful example to inspire players of all ages. Best wishes.
Brilliant interview from a brilliant man 😀 well done Bob! x
Great interview Bob and you’re right, age is just a number.
Brilliant stuff Bob - a real inspiration for everyone to keep playing
Well done Bob , great to see you there on the day and great words 🙂
A fine player and a finer gentleman..well done Mr Bob
Bob you are an inspiration, I even didn’t mind when you called me Max Wall because of my leggings x
Indeed. An inspiration for all kinds of sports, especially badminton.
Gowan bob 💪🏻😎 pleasure of playing with you
Fantastic and Inspirational. 👏👏
Well done Bob, will try and have a game in the summer.
Love it.
We need more like you Bob
Fabulous work
Earlier this season we launched the "Racket Room" kit donation scheme.
Thanks to Badminton Wales members and tournament participants, we have rackets, bags and shoes available to give to individuals or groups where those items are a barrier to taking part in Badminton across the Badminton Wales community.
Contact enquiries@badminton.wales and someone will be able to help get you what you need.
Great initiative! 👍
Great ideas all.
Wow
THROWBACK THURSDAY
Here we have the Wales team from the 1978 European Championships.
If you have anything you'd like to feature in our Throwback Thursday posts, send your photos and any relevant information to dave.bendle@badminton.wales
Played with anc against most of these! Sue Brimble looking very on trend with her bucket hat!
Richard Eastwood? Phil Sutton, Y.C.Lim, Brian Jones? Sue alfieri? Sue Brimble, Linda Blake, ???
can anyone name the Team and officials? I'm only 5/8 🙂