Nathan Robertson to support Adcock, Bankier in London Olympics – Badminton News
The seasoned shuttler Nathan Robertson of England was deprived of a Mixed Doubles spot in London Olympics by the duo Chris Adcock-Imogen Bankier but he will support national team in the mega event to be staged from July 27, 2012.
Robertson, who pairs off Jenny Wallwork, was roped in an Olympics qualification tussle and he lost as his compatriots Adcock-Bankier ended this qualification period with higher ranking.
According to May 3 world ranking, the duo Robertson-Wallwork is ranked 17 while their rivals clinched the Olympic berth by standing seven steps ahead of them.
However, the 34-year-old player proved himself a thorough gentleman as he gave his vote of confidence to his country fellows and assured his support to them.
He said, "They deserve a shot at Olympic glory. I'll be there to support them now. They've got a great chance and have beaten the best pairs in the world."
Former Mixed Doubles World Champion is going to call it a day immediately after the mega event so he desperately wanted to have the honour to be in coming edition of the Olympics.
Robertson wore a silver medal around his neck in Athens Olympics 2004 with her Mixed Doubles partner Gail Emms and he was thinking to bid adieu to the arena by landing on the podium in London Games.
However, now he is ready to quit as he stated that nobody is irreplaceable and it is just a normal thing in this game.
Robertson said, “You see a lot of players come and go and there has been a change of guard in badminton.”
Moreover, the veteran shuttler also lashed out at domestic body for changing the coaching set-up in final stages of qualification battle which ultimately jeopardised his stakes in the Olympics.
Robertson said, "I was used to certain coaches for a long time. There was a new head coach. I won't look back at that with good memories. We could have got more out of my partnership with Wallwork."
Now the British Olympic Association will announce final squad for London Games officially on May 30 and World Number 10 duo Chris Adcock-Imogen Bankier has confirmed spot in Mixed Doubles event while the Men’s Singles expert Rajiv Ouseph has also ensured
his presence in mega event.
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