University of Edinburgh Student Wins Gold in Pickleball Women’s Doubles Open at English Nationals
The sport of pickleball is taking England by storm, with a record number of players competing at the 2024 Skechers English Nationals. Among the standout performers was 22-year-old University of Edinburgh student, who clinched gold in the Women’s Doubles Open alongside partner Sara Tsukamoto.
Despite only picking up the sport eight months ago, the duo defeated their opponents in the final to secure the top spot on the podium. The young athlete expressed her joy, stating, “It feels amazing. We’re so happy. It couldn’t have gone better really.”
Pickleball, a racket sport played with paddles and a plastic ball, is rapidly growing in popularity across England. The English Nationals, held at Bolton Arena, saw over 1,000 players showcasing their skills over four days of intense competition.
The champion player, who discovered pickleball while in Australia, hopes to see the sport continue to expand in the UK. With a strong community and a growing number of tournaments, she believes that more people will be drawn to the game.
Pickleball England is excited about the future of the sport and encourages individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved. With the success of the 2024 Skechers English Nationals, the organization is looking forward to even more growth and opportunities for players to compete.
