Badminton Athlete - Stephen Davies
Location: Wrexham, Wales
Coach: Fiona Reid
Stephen: “This will be the biggest. I feel good about going to Shanghai, looking forward to it. I’m confident. I think I’ll do well.”
Stephen has been playing badminton since he was 7 years old, coached by his dad who is a player. He showed a natural ability for the sport and spends as much time as possible on the court. He has been Special Olympics' Welsh national champion for the past two years.
Stephen says: “I like playing badminton. The smashes and the high shots. It’s a good game.”
Stephen’s coach Fiona Reid says he’s extremely dedicated to his sport and intent on improving his game. She has seen his gentle approach develop into a “killer instinct” but says he’s always remained the fairest of sportsmen who respects his opponents.
Fiona says: “Stephen is technically very able, his shots are very good. Now he’s working hard on improving his ability to anticipate his opponents, read their body language. His approach is very intense.”
The last SOGB national games in Glasgow was Stephen’s first big competition, where he won a silver medal. He also competed in the mixed doubles with fellow Welsh player Elizabeth Jamieson and they won gold. They will play individually and together in Shanghai.
Coach, Fiona says: “In doubles they have to work hard physically and conceptually, learn how to call and divide the shots. And there are different rules and tactics. Stephen is an excellent partner, although his gentle side means he’ll leave a shot rather than get in his partner’s way. We’re working on that!”
Since Glasgow Stephen has also played at a national tournament in Poland. Before the world games he’ll compete at the Four Nations tournament in Cardiff in August.
He says: “This will be the biggest. I feel good about going to Shanghai, looking forward to it. I’m confident. I think I’ll do well.”
Stephen also regularly swims and plays tennis. But since his selection for the world games he has given up tennis to concentrate completely on working towards Shanghai. The local gym has put him through physiological tests to devise an individual fitness training programme for him. And he’s stepped up his training sessions with Fiona to 3 times a week.
He says: “I have to do more footwork, moving my feet quickly, turning round, running from the front to the back of the court, doing high and low serves, drop shots, short shots. There’s a lot to focus on.”
Stephen works for the ‘Butty Box’ mobile catering business in Wrexham 4 days a week, delivering lunches to clients including the local council. Most of them know him well and that he has been selected for Shanghai. He has twice won Wrexham Council’s ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ award.
Stephen has autism which gives him challenges in communication and processing information.
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk