Olympic badminton medallist Gail Emms, from Hitchin, has added another milestone to her sporting career after winning her first National Pickleball medal at the Pickleball English Nationals last week.

Emms claimed silver in the 35+ Mixed Doubles 4.5 category, marking a special moment in her pickleball journey and adding another national sporting accolade to an already impressive career.

Best known for her achievements in badminton, including winning a silver medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games alongside mixed doubles partner Nathan Robertson, Emms has embraced the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Her latest success at the Pickleball English Nationals demonstrates her continued appetite for competition and her ability to transfer her sporting experience to a new discipline.

The English Nationals brought together 1,500 players from across the country to compete for national honours, with competitors battling it out across a range of age groups and skill categories.

For Gail, taking home silver in the 35+ 4.5 Mixed Doubles category with partner Anthonywas particularly rewarding: Speaking about her win, Emms commented: 'I felt quite emotional after winning my first national medal. I have to work hard at pickleball and I want to make sure I carry on and commit to this sport, as it's what started everything off again in my later career.

To say that I've won national medals in two sports is quite something. Pickleball is getting more popular and the standard is getting better and better, so to win a medal before I enter my 50s is special! I loved being at the event and digging deep when it mattered. The medal means a lot to me.'

Emm's achievement also highlights the growing appeal of pickleball, which continues to attract players from a wide range of sporting backgrounds, from complete beginners to former elite athletes.

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With its accessible format, competitive opportunities and strong social appeal, the sport is continuing to establish itself as one of the UK's fastest-growing participation sports, with Pickleball England reporting that an estimated 85,000 people are currently playing the sport in England.

To find out more about pickleball or to find a court near you, head to the Pickleball England website (www.pickleballengland.org) and type your postcode into the 'Club Locator' to find your nearest place to play.