Athens Silver Medalist Gail Emms Voice out Disapproval on Badminton Court Transfer at 2012 Olympics
Athens Olympics silver medalist Gail Emms, currently an ambassador for Badminton England, expressed her opposition on the plans of the London 2012 Olympic organizers to move the badminton courts from the one near the main Olympic stadium to farther venues such as the Wembley Arena or a temporary site in Barking. The move of the badminton courts was a bid to reduce operational costs for the upcoming Games.
Emms clinched the Olympic silver five years ago at the mixed doubles event with Nathan Robertson. As an official of Badminton England, she said that it is disappointing to have a sport staged in “the middle of nowhere.”
The proposed £40million venues in North Greenwich may be scrapped as organizers scramble to save on operational costs which are nearing the billion pound mark. Aside from badminton, rhythmic gymnastics is also at a limbo.
Emms stressed that every athlete wants to be within the Olympic Park to be in the know of the latest updates and happenings, adding that it is part of the memorable experiences of every participating athlete.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials have called for the resolution of this matter this year. The organizers assured the officials that they have outlined the solutions and these will be made known before the end of this year.
