Name: Rachel Sugden
Date of birth: 13/11/2001
Place of birth: Alexandria
Current Residence: Balloch
Right or left handed: Right
Main event(s): Women’s Singles
International Titles: Iceland International FS singles winner, mixed doubles runner-up
Scottish Titles: U19 National Champion in singles and mixed, U17, U15, U13, U11 singles champion.
Other notable achievements: Part of the Women’s European Team Championships team that won a bronze medal earlier this year. Selected to play in three world junior championships. Winner of the Hungarian Junior International in women’s doubles. Part of the European u17 bronze medal winning team. Winner of the Babolat French Junior u17 international in singles. U15 European junior bronze medallist in doubles.
Career Highlight(s): Winning my match in the tie against Russia at the Women’s European Team Championships which lead to us winning a bronze medal!
Coach(s): Ingo Kindervater
Sponsors: Yonex
Equipment used (Racket, Shoes): Astrox 99, Women’s Aerus 3
Badminton Goals & Ambitions: To be the best women’s singles player in the world, to medal at an Olympics, world championships, and commonwealth games.
Typical week Training Schedule: normally 5 days a week whenever I can around my university schedule
When did you start playing badminton and why?
I started playing badminton with my mum in our back garden at around the age of 8. My mum played at a local club and encouraged me to give it a try as well.
First badminton memories: When I started the national junior squad at the age of 9, and had my first ever coaching lesson.
What do you enjoy most about being a badminton player?
Getting to travel to amazing places across the world and meeting new people.
If you play for a foreign club, which one?
I am currently trying to find a new club, but last season I played for 1 BV Mulheim in Germany.
If not badminton then…other sport?
Probably swimming as I swam competitively when I was younger, however in high school I really enjoyed running and athletics.
Tips for young players: When things aren’t going your way at training, don’t give up. Push for as good a quality as you can produce even when you aren’t playing well, because that will make you better.
Hobbies: Listening to music, spending time with friends and baking! However I don’t really have much time for this since the majority of my time just now is split between badminton and university.
Favourite food: Mexican food
Favourite music: Just now I love Harry Styles’ new album, and the Weekend
Favourite foreign badminton destination: Indonesia because of the amazing atmosphere created by spectators there.
Favourite badminton tournament: My favourite that I’ve played in has to be the World Junior Championships.
Most admired badminton player: Carolina Marin
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