A para-badminton newcomer from Grampian has taken home silverware at the inaugural UK Para-Badminton Championships.
Aberdeen’s Lesley Johnstone, who has only been playing competitive para-badminton for just over a year, took back well-earned bronze medals in the SL4 Women’s event and the SL3 – SL5 Mixed Doubles event from the new event held in Sheffield.
Johnstone faced tough competition from seasoned players, Emma Stoner & Scotland’s Mary Wilson, but put up a good opposition against both. In the mixed doubles event, Lesley and her doubles partner, Richard Lean, took a lead in the first set against the strong pairing of Bobby Griffin & Emma Stoner, but narrowly lost the 2 remaining sets. In their match against Mary Wilson & Antony Forster, they unfortunately lost by a large margin in straight sets, but the experience was definitely beneficial for Lesley who is thoroughly looking forward to the challenges that await her this year in Para-Badminton.
Well done to Lesley & the rest of the Scottish players for their fantastic performances over the weekend, and thank you to all at BadmintonScotland who help support Lesley in her development.
If you live with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire or Moray (or know someone who does) and would like to get more involved in sport, please get in touch with Alison Shaw on 07828 744 848 or alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com.