Audibert and Walker Shine at 2024 Skechers English Nationals, Eyeing European Championships
Audibert and Walker Shine at 2024 Skechers English Nationals
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, pickleball players Audibert and Walker showcased their talents at the 2024 Skechers English Nationals held at Bolton Arena. Partnered together in the Women’s Doubles Open 50+ category, the duo narrowly missed out on the gold medal, finishing as the deserving runners-up after a hard-fought final against Anna Linton and Julie Mac.
Despite falling just short of the top spot, Audibert expressed her joy and satisfaction with their performance, stating, “It’s our second tournament together. We were really happy to play together. We played some really good games and we’ve really enjoyed it. We’ve had a really nice time. It’s really pretty here, a bit chilly but it’s been fun!”
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport for all ages, involves players competing using paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The 2024 Skechers English Nationals saw a record number of 1,111 pickleball players from across the nation gather in the North-west for four days of high-level competition.
Audibert, a top-ranked pickleball player in the country, is now in contention for selection to the inaugural European Championships in Southampton later this year. Reflecting on the tough competition and camaraderie at the Nationals, she remarked, “It’s really nice that we’re all in the same place and that we’ve got some really tough players. Everyone’s come to watch the players and the senior and the wheelchair players, and it’s been really inclusive.”
With the sport gaining popularity and recognition, Pickleball England announced the record-breaking participation of over 1,000 players at the Nationals. The event serves as a testament to the growing appeal and competitiveness of pickleball in England.
As Audibert and Walker continue to hone their skills and compete at the highest level, their success at the Nationals highlights the dedication and passion of pickleball players nationwide. For more information on pickleball and upcoming events, visit www.pickleballengland.org.
