England's Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms

WALKER PRESENTS AS PAIRS PROGRESS

English Institute of Sport (EIS) Lead Physiologist for Badminton Gary Walker spoke of the role of physiology this week when he presented to coaches and guests at the Yonex All England Championships, currently taking place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

Speaking as part of the GB support staff day on Thursday, Walker addressed Badminton coaches and support staff from across Great Britain to explain his work and how its impact can make a difference within the sport.

Walker, who has been profiling elite players at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes, explained, “The physiological profiling of the players aims to identify strengths and weaknesses so that by working alongside coaches and others practitioners we can individualise each players programme to provide the maximum benefit.”

And Walker, who was invited to speak by England Badminton Head Coach Ian Wright following a presentation he heard to England coaches in January, believes that the event is also a valuable opportunity for him to gain feedback on the work he is doing.

“It was a real compliment to have been asked to speak” he admits. “But I also see this as a great opportunity for me not only to express my ideas, but to gain feedback from the support staff that work closest to the players to see what it is that they want from physiology and the specific types of information which are of value to them” he said.

On the court it was a good day for England’s Mixed doubles pairings with all three in action winning through to today’s quarter finals.

Olympic silver medalists Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms progressed courtesy of a 21-17, 21-17 victory over Korean duo Ji Man Hwang and Min Jung and will now meet England’s Robert Blair and Scotland’s Imogen Bankier, who overcame Hung Ling Chen and Chia Chi Chou of Chinese Taipei 21-14, 21-12, for a place in Saturday’s semi finals.

Also involved in quarter final action today are England’s Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg who will take on Chinese pairing Bo Zheng and Ling Gao following their second round 21-11, 21-16 defeat of Thailand’s Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkam.

The EIS provide a full range of service to Badminton from the National Badminton Centre including Performance Analysis, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Lifestyle, Sports Psychology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Medical support.

The Yonex All England Championships conclude in Birmingham on Sunday.

To view all the results click here

by James Skitt

07.03.08

Photography © Getty Images