Player Profile
Nicole Walkley
1. Name & DOB & where do you live?
Nicole Walkley
19 years old
Caledfryn, Caerphilly
2. Discipline- partner?
Level doubles – Vikki Jones
3. How did you get started in Badminton?
Caerphilly leisure centre closed two of their squash courts in order to expand the gym – Caerphilly squash club lost the courts that were allocated to the juniors as a result of this.
The Bedwas Juniors Badminton club ran at the exact same time so we decided to join whilst my mother played club squash – really enjoyed it and decided to play at a competitive level as opposed to just for fun
4. Interesting fact about yourself that not many people would know?
I won ‘Y Cadair’ in my final year at primary school for having written the best short story – it was considered a really prestigious award (there was a really bizarre ceremony and everything!)
5. 2-3 of your best achievements to date
?
Representing Wales at various international junior tournaments
Winning the Junior Nationals in all disciplines (at different times)
Winning the Mantes la Jolie tournament with Sian at Under 15’s
6. Goals for this season?
Hope to recover quickly after having the op
Getting into good physical shape – no injury worries
Making myself eligible for senior selection
For Vikki and I to become an established senior doubles partnership
Entering / performing well in more European tournaments – gaining experience
7. Sporting heroes?
I’ve got so many for all sorts of different reasons I couldn’t possibly list them!
8. Coaches you have worked with, (HPC you attend)?
HPC – Sophia Gardens (south)
All of the coaches at HPC
Chris Rees
Kelly Morgan
Alan Jones
Joanne Green (when I first started competing)
9. Long term Badminton Goals?
Represent Wales at Senior International events
Qualify for the Commonwealth Games
To hopefully become a recognized level doubles player within the European Circuit
10. How does it feel to be part of the HPC/Talent group?
I’m glad to have been recognized as being ‘talented’ enough to attend the sessions
It’s nice to be part of a group of people that not only share the same common interests as you but people you can socialize with and also have a laugh with – that’s what makes playing the sport even more enjoyable