European Masters Badminton Championships 2022: Medal Moments

Everyone at Badminton Scotland would like to extend a huge congratulations to all players involved in last week’s European Masters Badminton Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The championships are specifically for players over the age of 35 who play in their selected age group to determine the best veteran badminton players in Europe. This year’s event ran from 7 – 13 August, with 43 matches being played across 12 courts and streamed live on Badminton Europe TV.

Our Scottish team gave a truly fantastic account of themselves, showing real determination and a brilliant team spirit, travelling home with 5 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze medals!

Recognition for standout achievements

  • Dan Travers with 3 Gold medals (O65 Men’s singles, O65 Men’s doubles and O65 Mixed)
  • Christine Black with 2 Gold (O65 Women’s doubles and O65 Mixed) and 1 Silver (O65 Women’s singles)
  • Ross Gladwin winning his first ever European medal with Gold in the O60 Men’s doubles
  • Mark Mackay with Silver (O45 Men’s singles) and Bronze (O45 Mixed). Mark was also top seed in Men’s doubles but unfortunately his Danish partner had to withdraw through injury
  • Bronze medal winners: Aileen Travers (O55 Women’s singles), Frances McLure (O35 Women’s doubles), Lynne Campbell (O45 Women’s doubles), and Alan McMillan (O50 Men’s doubles)

Ross Gladwin who won his first ever European medal at the event told us: “Slovenia was my 3rd European Championships. It has taken a while, but I now feel I am able to cope with the excitement and expectation of such a big event.”

He was delighted to win gold and passed on a special thanks to Ross Campbell who helped him keep calm during breaks of the semi-final and final.

Ross is very much looking forward to the next championships in two years’ time and says “this year was one on the largest Scottish entries with 15 players and many travelling supporters. The medal table has just been published and out of 47 countries Scotland were 4th – what an amazing achievement. We all supported each other and enjoyed each other’s company of court which helped to create a fun and relaxed environment”.

A long awaited return

Since 1995, senior players from all around Europe meet every two years to compete and celebrate the sport that they have always loved. The event was forced to take a four year break due to Covid-19, however as a result, there was a real buzz in Slovenia which really demonstrates why these championships are so important to players, organisers, volunteers and badminton fans.

For some players, the championships are a pathway to get involved in big senior competitions, and for others the event was the perfect comeback, as well as a chance to meet and catch up with friends and fellow players again.

Christine Black, who won two Golds and a Silver at the championships told us: “After a four year gap it was great to be back competing and meeting old friends again in a competitive environment. The support from our 15 players, along with family members was fantastic and really helped everyone raise their performance and reach our best ever result of 12 medals.”

A popular and unique event

The social side of this competition in particular is a factor which makes it so popular and unique, giving players the chance to connect with new and old friends both on and off court. While the days are long with multiple games to play, the event is a great way to travel around and see Europe with likeminded people who share a love of badminton.

Three-time Gold medallist Dan Travers, told us “it was great to get back to competing again and also to have a larger number competing from Scotland. The camaraderie of the group was excellent and we all enjoyed ourselves in Slovenia. There was also a number of Scottish spectators and their support to all of us was invaluable.”

Dan added: “The tournament was well organised and everyone enjoyed playing and meeting up once again. For me personally it was great to win as this was probably the first time I have ever tried to prepare for it – it was amazing to see so many in our team succeed and bring back those medals.”

Keep an eye on our news page for details of the next European Senior Championships. They were originally allocated to the Croatian Badminton Association, to be held in Dubrovnik 20-27 October 2024 but the association has subsequently pulled out.

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