Medal double for Izzy

A RETFORD schoolgirl brought two medals back from the Under 11 National badminton championships.

Isabelle Thorpe, who began playing the sport at the age of six, won bronze in the singles and silver in the doubles at Hatfield, near Hertfordshire.

The St Joseph’s Catholic Primary pupil played her first tournament at the age of seven, following in the footsteps of her older brother Edward, and soon joined the Notts County training squad.

Mum Christine was understandably proud of her daughter’s performance, and lauded the effort the 10-year-old puts in.

“She is incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about the sport,” Christine told the Guardian.

The youngster is coached by Glenn Foye, Girish Ravat and Dave Goodall, and also gets expert advice from Dave Lindley – an ex England international at the Badminton England Performance Centre.

This season Isabelle has taken gold, silver and bronze medals at various Badminton England tournaments, at Under 11 and Under 13 level.