Paul Whetnall
Paul E. Whetnall was an English badminton player who won national and international titles between 1968 and 1980.
Career
Whetnall was noted for his shot-making accuracy and tactical astuteness. In his most successful season, 1975–1976, Whetnall won the open men's singles crowns of South Africa, Scotland, Germany, and the USA, as well as his third and last English National singles title. In 1970 Whetnall was a men's singles runner-up in the quadrennial British Commonwealth Games, losing a close final to Canada's Jamie Paulson. Shortly after this, his tournament career suffered a -year hiatus due to a badminton pro-tour venture which folded in 1973. Whetnall represented England in Thomas Cup competition in the 1969–1970 and 1975–1976 campaigns.Whetnall represented the England team at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. He competed in the badminton events, winning a silver medal in the singles.
Four years later he won a second silver medal at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Personal life
In 1968 he married Susan Pound who was an outstanding player of the same era. After he retired in 1980 he mainly coached in Kent for many years and also in charge of coaching for England national badminton team in several high profile tournaments such as Commonwealth Games and World Badminton Championships. Paul is also an author where he co-wrote a book called Badminton with Trevor Leahy.On 1st of May 2024, Paul died at 67. He left behind his wife Susan and a son and a daughter, Andrew and Claire.
Achievements
Commonwealth Games
Men's singles| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | ||||||||||||||
| 1970 | Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland |  European ChampionshipsMen's singles
|
gold1