20th International Island Games Part 2: Faroese Dominate Badminton Individual
20th International Island Games Part 2: The Battle for Individual Brilliance Begins
By Ryan McCuaig | Kirkwall, Orkney
After the thunderous team battles that kicked off the 20th International Island Games, the badminton courts in Kirkwall were far from quiet. With the echoes of foghorns still ringing in the rafters and the crowd’s appetite well and truly whetted, it was time for the individual events to take centre stage.
Our 16 islands turned their focus to the individual competitions, but this year, a new name joined the fray. Hitra, making their debut in the Island Games, entered the competition with a small but determined squad of just three players — all experiencing the Games for the very first time.
Over the next four days (15th to 18th July), the Pickaquoy Centre transformed once again, this time into a coliseum where rivalries reignited, underdogs rose, and legends were made. Players who had fought shoulder to shoulder for their islands now stood across the net from one another, chasing personal glory in the singles and doubles draws.
What followed was a rollercoaster of grit, skill, and no shortage of drama. From sensational upsets to breathtaking rallies, the individual competitions didn’t just match the intensity of the team event — they exceeded it.
Let’s dive into the highlights, heartbreaks, and heroes of the Island Games individual badminton tournament.
Rebecca Reid, photo by Mike Robertson (Orkney)
Individual Brilliance: Faroese Take the Spotlight
Men’s Singles: Øster Triumphs in a Classic Final
The men’s singles final was an epic. Top seed Rúni Øster (Faroe Islands) faced Greenland’s Toke Ketwa-Driefer in a gripping three-set showdown. Øster edged the first game 22-20, but Ketwa-Driefer struck back 21-19 in the second. The decider tested both players’ nerve, with Øster clinching it 21-16 to seal the title.
Øster’s journey wasn’t smooth sailing. He fought back from a game down in the quarterfinal against Guernsey’s Alex Tapp, winning 12-21, 21-19, 21-16. The semifinal against Isle of Man’s Alexander Buck was another mental battle, further proving Øster’s grit under pressure.
Consolidation Tournament: New Talent Emerges
For players who exited the main draw early, the consolidation tournament offered a fresh chance to shine. Jacob Honnor from the Isle of Wight took full advantage, defeating Orkney’s own Sam Rendall 21-19, 21-15 in the final. This platform proved vital in nurturing emerging talent across the islands.
Women’s Singles: Í Grótinum Upsets the Favourite
Perhaps the tournament’s biggest surprise came from Miriam Í Grótinum (Faroe Islands), who stunned top seed Sara Lindskov (Greenland) with a commanding 21-15, 21-12 victory in the final. Seeded 3/4, Í Grótinum displayed sharp tactics and composure to outplay the favourite.
Lindskov had battled past Orkney’s Jody Groundwater in a tough quarterfinal (21-13, 19-21, 21-11) but couldn’t match Í Grótinum’s aggressive play in the final.
Women’s Consolidation: Mellor on Top
Annelise Mellor (Isle of Man) cruised to victory in the women’s consolidation event, defeating Bermuda’s Emma Moran Lee 21-14, 21-7. Her performance underlined the competitive depth across all levels.
Men’s Doubles: Faroese Pair Prove Unstoppable
Faroese success continued in the men’s doubles. Top seeds Magnus Dal-Christiansen and Rúni Øster dominated the final, defeating Guernsey’s Alex Tapp and David Trebert 21-11, 21-12.
Their semifinal was a Faroese derby, needing three sets to overcome Toke Ketwa-Driefer and Maluk Tiger (21-17, 18-21, 21-18) — a reminder that even favourites can be tested.
Women’s Doubles: Faroese Pair Upset the Odds
The second-seeded Faroese duo Bjarnhild Í Buð Justinussen and Miriam Í Grótinum shocked top seeds Kimberley Clague and Jessica Li (Isle of Man) with a dominant 21-12, 21-6 win in the final. Their tactical sharpness on the day was unmatched.
Mixed Doubles: Faroese Seal the Treble
The mixed doubles provided a fitting climax. Øster and Í Grótinum completed their golden treble, beating compatriots Dal-Christiansen and Sanna Thorkildshoj 21-17, 21-11 in an all-Faroese final.
Miriam celebrating after her historic treble. Picture by Mike Robertson (Orkney)
Scottish Island Highlights
The Faroese may have topped the podium, but Scottish island athletes delivered memorable moments:
- Andrew Reid (Orkney) reached the last 16 in men’s singles and impressed in doubles alongside Matthew Reid.
- Jody Groundwater (Orkney) reached the women’s singles quarterfinals and made history, winning Orkney’s first-ever badminton bronze in women’s doubles with Rebecca Reid.
“I am absolutely delighted to have won the first Island Games medal for Orkney with my partner Rebecca. I have been training for the past few years with a medal in mind and to achieve it in front of the atmosphere of a home crowd was the best feeling ever.”
Orkney’s first ever badminton medal. Picture by Kirstin Shearer Photography
- Thomas Calder (Shetland) enjoyed a strong doubles run with Luca Russell and also partnered with Shona Mackay in mixed doubles, reaching the round of 16.
- Shona Mackay (Shetland) competed in all three disciplines. She reached the round of 32 in women’s singles, won a thrilling women’s doubles match with Chloe Hitchin, and advanced to the mixed doubles round of 16 with Thomas Calder.
- Julie Murray (Western Isles) reached the women’s consolation quarterfinals and competed in multiple events, including mixed doubles with Kevin Macleod.
- Kevin Macleod (Western Isles) showed versatility across events. He won a men’s doubles match with John Murray and reached the round of 32 in mixed doubles with Julie Murray, also pushing a three-set win in another mixed pairing.
Final Medal Table
Note: Plate competition medals not included.
| Rank | Island | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Faroe Islands | 5 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | Greenland | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Isle of Man | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Guernsey | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
A Tournament to Remember
From the foot-stomping energy of the team event to the brilliance of the individual finals, Orkney 2025 was a showcase of island sport at its finest. The Faroe Islands may have dominated, but every island left its mark.
Pickaquoy Centre packed for finals. Picture by Mike Robertson (Orkney)
As the lights dimmed on the Pickaquoy Centre, one thing was clear: the Island Games spirit is thriving.
Thanks to the Volunteers, Sponsors, and Local Heroes
None of this would have been possible without the army of volunteers — court marshals, line judges, transport teams, and hospitality staff — who powered Orkney 2025. Their warmth and dedication created an unforgettable experience.
Sponsors and partners also played a vital role, ensuring top-class equipment, facilities, and logistics.
The pride of the host team was summed up by Rebecca Reid, the Team Captain and President of the Orkney Badminton Association:
“We always knew a home games would be something special but the atmosphere and support in the badminton hall exceeded expectations! The team have been working hard and it shows with a fantastic 5th place finish which is the highest ever! Everyone played a part in picking up wins for the team throughout the 2 days and Orkney were unlucky to lose out to bronze medalists Isle of Man in a close 3–2 tie so there is a real belief and desire to push for team medals in Faroes in 2 years!
For me personally this past year has been challenging and just being able to step on court at a home games and enjoy the experience was amazing — but to get a bronze medal in the ladies doubles with Jody was incredible and is a memory I will never forget.”
The Numbers Behind the Rackets
Badminton wasn’t just a hit on court — it was the most streamed sport of Orkney 2025, bringing the action to viewers worldwide.
Across team and individual events, there were 470 matches played, including 192 in the Mixed Team Event alone. In total, players contested a staggering 34,289 points. Matches typically lasted 21 to 26 minutes, though the fiercely competitive team ties often stretched beyond their 3-hour schedule.
Standout Performers
- Rúni Øster (Faroe Islands): 3 gold medals, leading his team and excelling in individual play.
- Miriam Í Grótinum (Faroe Islands): 3 golds, including a memorable women’s singles run.
- Jody Groundwater & Rebecca Reid (Orkney): First-ever badminton medal for Orkney.
Colin Campbell, President of Badminton Scotland, summed it up:
“I expected that the Island Games would be a terrific event but I didn’t expect it to be quite as good as it turned out. The enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone involved from players to volunteers to officials just could not be faulted. The standard of play was excellent and the atmosphere in the hall was just incredible. All the Scottish islands gave a very good account of themselves and it was wonderful to see Orkney achieve their highest ever finish in the team event, followed up by their first ever medal in the individuals. I was also absolutely delighted to hear that badminton was the most streamed sport at the Games, underlying the huge appeal of our fantastic sport. The icing on the cake was the fabulous weather which showcased just how beautiful the Orkney Islands are. The Faroe Islands will have a hard act to follow.”
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Inspiration
Orkney 2025 leaves a lasting legacy — not just in medals but in memories, milestones, and inspiration. The bar is set high for the Faroe Islands in 2027, but one thing’s for sure: island badminton is not just alive — it’s thriving.
Coming Up in Part 3: Reflections from the Orkney 2025 Badminton Co-ordinator
As the courts fall quiet and the shuttles are packed away, we take a moment to reflect on the people, partnerships, and memories that made Orkney 2025 such a landmark event for badminton.
In Part 3, Badminton Co-ordinator Elaine Gray shares her personal reflections on the challenges, successes, and unforgettable moments that defined the Games.
Stay tuned for the final part of our Orkney 2025 badminton series — coming soon.
End of Article
Women Doubles Medal Podium. Photo by Sandra Campbell