The Power of Athlete Mentoring
Seek out those who can guide you, learn from their experiences, and allow yourself to be mentored
Throughout my life, sport has given me more than just medals and accolades - it has shaped my character, resilience, and sense of purpose. For 16 years, I had the honour of competing professionally in badminton, earning World, European, and Commonwealth medals, representing England 106 times, and captaining the national team for eight years. Those years were filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons that extended far beyond the court.
But one thing I’ve come to understand even more deeply since retiring from professional sport is the true power of athlete mentoring.
When I transitioned from competing to coaching, mentoring, and motivational speaking, I realised that success in sport isn’t just about talent, training, or even hard work - it’s about guidance. It’s about having someone who has walked the path before you, who can help you navigate the highs and lows, and who can instil the confidence to push beyond your perceived limits.
As a national and Olympic coach for the past eight years, I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship transforms athletes - not just in their performance, but in their mindset and overall well-being. The journey of an athlete can be lonely and mentally demanding. The pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the sacrifices required can take their toll.
Having a mentor - someone who understands, listens, and challenges you in the right way - can make all the difference between an athlete who burns out and one who thrives.
Mentoring is about more than just technical advice.
It’s about helping athletes develop resilience when setbacks come, reminding them why they started when motivation dips, and guiding them toward making the right decisions both in sport and in life. It’s about passing on knowledge, experience, and - perhaps most importantly - belief.
For me, mentoring is a responsibility, but also a privilege. Every time I work with an athlete, I see a reflection of my own journey—the moments of doubt, the hunger to succeed, the desire to make every opportunity count. I know how important it is to have someone who genuinely cares, who sees your potential even when you don’t, and who pushes you to become the best version of yourself.
That’s why I am so passionate about mentoring. Because while medals may fade, the impact of a great mentor lasts a lifetime.
To every athlete, young or experienced: seek out those who can guide you, learn from their experiences, and allow yourself to be mentored. And to those of us who have walked this path before - let’s give back, because the future of sport depends on it.
