Lane named in GB squad for Olympics
EXMOUTH’S Ben Lane can look forward to a summer in Paris after being named in the Team GB squad for this summer’s Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old, who was born in Kingston upon Hull, will compete for Great Britain at Badminton along with Sean Vendy, who will be his doubles partner in Paris. Kirsty Gilmour is the third person named in the squad by the British Olympic Association.
Lane and Vendy will compete in the men’s doubles for the second Games running after making their Olympic bow at Tokyo 2020, while Gilmour returns for her third Games in the women’s singles.
The trio all qualified via the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Race to Paris rankings and could be in action as early as the first day of competition at Porte de la Chapelle Arena.
On his selection, Lane said: “This year, we go to the Games with the experience of an Olympics already under our belts and so we go to Paris knowing what to expect, how to approach the challenges we will face and how best to enjoy being an Olympian.
“To represent your country in any discipline is special and we are both relishing the opportunity to compete against the very best in the world on the biggest sporting stage.”
Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England added: “I am delighted to welcome back to Team GB Ben, Sean and Kirsty. As returning Olympians I am sure that all three will use their previous Games time experience, along with their European Games success from last year, to their advantage when they take to the courts at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena.”
Vendy and Lane bowed out in the group stages in Tokyo but gained valuable experience at their first Games. In 2022, the pair won bronze at the BWF World Championships and silver at the Commonwealth Games, while last year they won silver at the 2023 European Games in Poland.
Mark Beecher, Head of Performance at Badminton England and Team Leader for the group this summer, said: “To qualify for an Olympic Games takes a huge amount of dedication, ambition and drive – not to mention world class talent and ability.
“A train ticket to Paris is not the reward at the end of a long journey. It represents an opportunity to shine. I am honoured to be taking them to Paris and very proud to see these three athletes wearing the Team GB colours this summer.”