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Gail Emms

Getting used to being a lady of leisure


It's few hours after our quarter-final defeat to Lee Hyojung and Lee Yongdae of South Korea and I'm obviously still gutted about losing, but then you've got to feel proud of yourself because the pair that we played were awesome and we couldn't have done any more.

They were quicker, more consistent, had a great game plan and didn't let us into the game.

And then of course you've got all the emotions about the Olympics, because you want to do the country really proud and you want to get medals, and also the fact it's probably my last match.

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When we saw the draw, we knew that it was going be very, very hard. We faced the Chinese second seeds in the first round having never beaten them before - Gao Ling was part of the pair who beat us in the Athens final - and we had the whole crowd against us.

With all those things, it was such an emotional match that we had to be so pumped up and so in their faces.

But in the second round, we were playing a different pair with a different style of play - the Koreans were one of the best unseeded pairs in the tournament, we'd beaten them but also lost to them in the past, and we knew it was more about skill and agility, rather than a match settled by rallies and fitness and pure guts.

I've had about 63 texts on my mobile, and plenty of Facebook messages and e-mails saying "good luck" and "well done".

It's such a nice feeling knowing people back home are supporting you and cheering you on, telling you they've been screaming at the TV! When you hear messages like that, you just think it makes it all worthwhile.

The Murray brothers also came to watch and support us - we've got to know them quite a bit because we're next-door neighbours in the flats.

On the bus back, I was really upset but I ended up sat next to Andy and it was so nice to chat randomly about other stuff, and then we all went for a cup of tea and some food in the dining hall.

Being around other people really helps, because if it had been just Nathan, myself and the badminton coaches, we might have just ended up banging our heads on the tables!

But now I will be donning my pom-poms because I am chief cheerleader for Team GB!

I'm going to give my support to everyone, because I know how much it means to them and you can feel their passion about being here. When Rebecca Adlington won her gold, all the other swimmers were so happy for her, so if I can help in any way then I'll do that.

As for my career, I've got to make a decision over the next few weeks and see how I feel when I get home. I'm playing in the Danish league next season, which starts in September, but I'm pretty certain that was my last tournament.

I really can't see myself playing at London 2012 - it's another four years of commitment, travelling the world, getting all the qualifying points with your partner.

I'd still like to be involved somehow, though, being such a passionate fan of the Olympics, so maybe I could be an ambassador. I want to try different things out, maybe even getting into the commentary box - but the problem would be getting me to shut up!

I don't expect life after badminton to be easy - I've spoken to ex-athletes and ex- badminton players, and it'll probably be very strange.

I've signed up for the London Marathon so at least I've got a goal and something to keep me fit - that way I won't start eating all the pies!

I've got to have new challenges and it'll be nice not to have to think about training every day - as an athlete, you sacrifice so much and you miss out on so many things.

I'd like to see more of my friends and my family and my little dog Rafa. If I want to go skiing, I can, so I'll be able to enjoy that and that'll help ease the pain that I'm not playing badminton any more. In other words, I'm a lady of leisure now!

Gail Emms was talking to the BBC's David Garrido

British badminton star Gail Emms, 31, won an Olympic silver medal with mixed doubles partner Nathan Robertson at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and is competing in both mixed and women's doubles in Beijing. Her previous diary entries are on 606. Our FAQs should answer any questions you have.


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  • 1. At 09:28am on 15 Aug 2008, bushfighter wrote:

    good to see you're mainting that positive outlook - I hope you enjoy the rest of your olympics. Who knows - if your cheer leading goes well they could create a role for you in 2012!

    Your game againts Gao Ling and Zheng Bo was fantastic viewing. real sphincter clenching but utterly brilliant sport.

    All the best for your future

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  • 2. At 09:58am on 15 Aug 2008, Kozzey wrote:

    Whatever you decide to do in the future I wish you all the best and every success. Your medal at Athens 2004 was one of the highlights of those games and elevated British badminton to levels not previously known - after all, how many badminton players get to appear on A Question of Sport?

    You have every right to feel proud of yourself and your achievements, and absolutely no reason to feel you've let anyone down.

    Thank you for some great excitement and all the best for your future.

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  • 3. At 10:00am on 15 Aug 2008, JanEaton wrote:

    It's lovely to read your comments and share with you some of your emotion.

    There are less and less sports (and probably competitors) for whom the Olympics are the pinnacle and for whom participation in the greatest sporting event in the world means everything.

    Your pride in representing your country is obvious and you can retire in the knowledge that you have done us all proud.

    I look forward to seeing you as a 'face' for 2012. Good Luck and 'thank you'

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  • 4. At 10:01am on 15 Aug 2008, DrTris wrote:

    Well done - you have made us all proud.
    Hope to hear you commentating in 2012.

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  • 5. At 10:20am on 15 Aug 2008, george1979 wrote:

    Sorry that you got knocked out, not just for you but for also for selfish reasons. :-)

    I'm sure most men would agree.

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  • 6. At 10:41am on 15 Aug 2008, alcosaint wrote:

    Gail Emms' pom poms - I was getting lots of work done until that image popped into my head...... Sorry to lower the tone Gail.

    You are a complete superstar (always thought you carried that Nathan fella - hehe). Well done to both of you for everything you've achieved in Badminton.

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  • 7. At 10:45am on 15 Aug 2008, batdude_uk123 wrote:

    Gail,

    Remember you are a very long time retired, so I hope that you make the correct decision.
    Just remember that when you are 60 or 70, I just hope that you don't regret this decision not to compete in a home country Olympics.

    But good luck to you in the future, I hope that achieve everything that your heart is set upon.

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  • 8. At 10:51am on 15 Aug 2008, plastic_paddy wrote:

    Gail
    You should hold your head up incredibly high and be rightly proud for what you did for your country.
    Well done - just to make it to the Olympic finals puts you in the very highest elite of your sport and in your country.
    You are the embodiment of everything that is good about both the Olympics and about Britain and a credit to both.


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  • 9. At 11:12am on 15 Aug 2008, UpstairsDownstairs wrote:

    Gail,

    It was wonderful just watching you play and representing your country.In fact my Mum got so engrossed in your game in the previous round that she was yelling at the TV with my younger brother.

    Whatever you go on to do I wish you the best of luck.

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  • 10. At 11:12am on 15 Aug 2008, gusgagg wrote:

    Hi Gail, I was the ymca under 21 champion in Croydon 42 years ago and still remember and feel proud, so what you have achieved never feel disapointed about this one game, go on and enjoy your next challenge you have erned it and enjoy it, love Gus.

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  • 11. At 11:20am on 15 Aug 2008, lordSUPERFRED wrote:

    well done Gail , you have been a great ambassador for the country and the sport of Badminton , also as a resident from the city of concrete cows I know all of Milton Keynes is proud of you.

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  • 12. At 11:30am on 15 Aug 2008, Un-Bell-ievable wrote:

    When you're back on these shores, will you go back on Fighting Talk? The FT crowd loved your debut appearance and would like to see you back. I don't think Colin would complain much either.

    Sarah

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  • 13. At 11:34am on 15 Aug 2008, Gianfranco_Cando wrote:

    Hard lines Gail - i nearly put my foot through the TV when you went out, i was gutted for you!
    Now you're a lady of leisure, we should all meet up and eat pies?

    Lordy

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  • 14. At 11:49am on 15 Aug 2008, plasticjmr78 wrote:

    Terribly hard luck Gail, you and Nathan obviously put your all into that - it's all there on the court for people to see. Can't ask for more than that, you guys are heroes.

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  • 15. At 12:12pm on 15 Aug 2008, derekjoe wrote:

    from a Chinese boy abroad

    Dear Gail,

    You and Nathan have always been my favourite pair in mix-double, I'm so sorry for you losing the match and I really hope you'll continue to play. But if you choose to retire, I think all your fans like me will respect for your dicision.

    Wish you a happy lady of leisure!

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  • 16. At 12:29pm on 15 Aug 2008, jonkwan wrote:

    Hi Gail,

    I was gutted when you and Nathan lost yeaterday, but you should be proud of what you have achieved. You have made badminton one of the highlights of the last two olympics and when we think of badminton in the UK now we think of Gail Emms.

    Your first round match was an amazing match and there is no shame in losing to the Korean pair. Good luck with your retirement and I look forward to hearing your expert opinions on the London games.

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  • 17. At 1:01pm on 15 Aug 2008, Prop for England wrote:

    Gail,

    fantastic, well done. Good to see how much you care about succeeding. Must repeat a couple of other commenters, though, remember that next Olympics is at home and, secondly, the modelling work should come in thick and fast now. Please replace Sharron Davies as the "glamour" girl on BBC Sport

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  • 18. At 1:02pm on 15 Aug 2008, drivingSteviewonder wrote:

    Gail and Nathan you've been amazing. I've loved every minute of watching you, and that wasn't enough. Passionate, committed, fun, exciting, skilled, how many other superlatives are there? You've done wonders for the game in the UK. Antony and Donna have much to live up to. I hope you change your mind and play on. But if not, enjoy the rest! Hope to see you on the telly soon with your bubbly personality shining through.
    From a fellow badminton player in Cheshire....

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  • 19. At 2:21pm on 15 Aug 2008, The_third_Ronaldo wrote:

    Are you sure there's not an element of Steve Redgrave about you... 'if you ever see me near another boat, shoot me' - followed by a sensational return! The lure of London 2012 might start to creep in over the next few months!

    Always been great watching you play, will definitely miss you!

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  • 20. At 2:26pm on 15 Aug 2008, DHesketh

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 21. At 2:26pm on 15 Aug 2008, DHesketh wrote:

    Hi, currently trying to win my own Gold Medal for the most number of blogs appearing on the BBC website simultaneously. Here I go...

    That's 3

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  • 22. At 2:26pm on 15 Aug 2008, DHesketh wrote:

    Hi, currently trying to win my own Gold Medal for the most number of blogs appearing on the BBC website simultaneously. Here I go...

    Only 2 to go - wish me luck !!

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  • 23. At 2:27pm on 15 Aug 2008, DHesketh wrote:

    Hi, currently trying to win my own Gold Medal for the most number of blogs appearing on the BBC website simultaneously. Here I go...

    Last one! Hope no-one knocks me off...

    A lunge for the line and...

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  • 24. At 2:30pm on 15 Aug 2008, DHesketh wrote:

    Well... I did it! Phew!

    That was exhausting.

    Just for a few fleeting seconds I had my comments up as the last ones made on all the "Who's saying what" links.

    A clean sweep and I have the screen shot to prove it...

    The crowd goes wild!!!

    Right, back to work.

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  • 25. At 5:05pm on 15 Aug 2008, Douggielee wrote:

    Well done Gail, you and Nathan are stars and you did us proud. I watched your first match online at work and did a victory dance when you won - my colleagues thought I'd gone mad!

    All the very best to both of you, whatever the future holds.

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  • 26. At 5:33pm on 15 Aug 2008, lordmickeyboy

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 27. At 7:29pm on 15 Aug 2008, tennischrisperrin wrote:

    well done gail. Even though you lost in the quarters you have given me my favourite olympic moment so far in the last 16 fightback

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  • 28. At 11:00pm on 15 Aug 2008, singingHannahJ wrote:

    Gail,
    As an ex-badders player myself I know what a terrific and fun game if is, even if we never reach your heights. You've made us very proud in the last two Olympics and brought badminton much more into the sporting public's consciousness. It would be great to see you in 2012, but that's much easier said than done.
    BTW - the chance to play with Nathan for a game oooh what wouldn't I give!
    Good luck with whatever you do in the future.

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  • 29. At 02:19am on 16 Aug 2008, toomuchcaffiene wrote:

    just like to say iv not seen many athletes in any sport where it seemed so obvious that sum1 was giving everything they had to win as watching u
    i dont really know anything about badminton apart from what iv picked up from watching u and nathan over the years, but i know determination and focus when i see it
    ill conclude with an extremely soppy but heartfelt fanku for the memories gail

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  • 30. At 11:06am on 16 Aug 2008, dancer38 wrote:

    You believed in yourself and competed which takes courage, tenacity and determination. Qualities not everyone has. Give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy the accolades, whether you retire or not:-).

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  • 31. At 10:40pm on 17 Aug 2008, Blueoverthemoon wrote:

    My wife and I played the game very badly many years ago.I say this having watched the way you and Nathan performed throughout until your exit .All I can say is you and Nathan gave an excellent account of yourselves , and can both hold your heads high after gritty performances. We are just two of many I'm sure who are very proud of you.

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  • 32. At 8:05pm on 18 Aug 2008, vipjangmi wrote:


    After reading your article, I joined to BBC blog memberships to post this message here.

    I have watched your wonderful two games in Beijing and interview with BBC after the match against Korea. You are a great player. YOur play was very impressive and really beautiful. Every player who has participated in the Olympic games are truly winners. I respect their amazing spirit.

    Thanks for your wonderful play for people in the world. I hope to see you in London Olympic again in 2012.

    Good luck to your path!! God bless you!

    from a Korean woman who is visiting England

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  • 33. At 01:43am on 20 Aug 2008, scorpiocaribbean wrote:

    Hi Gail you ad Nathan have made us so proud of what you have achieved and i know it is easy to say but please please think long and hard about retiring.I would love it if you could just hang in there and play in London then we can let you bow out from us and the sport.

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