Gilks, Gillian (1959–)

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Gilks, Gillian (1959–)

English badminton player. Name variations: Gillian Perrin, Gillian Goodwin. Born Gillian Perrin in 1959 in Sutton, Surrey, England; coached by Jake Downey.

Known for dominating women's international badminton in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition (1970s), won 1st national title while still teenager; won 27 national titles (9 singles, 7 ladies doubles, 11 mixed doubles); won mixed doubles match at Olympic Games Demonstration in Munich (1972); was triple champion at Commonwealth Games (1974); earned record number of caps for England and won 11 All-England championship titles and 12 European championship titles; won 16 world-class events (1984) and silver medal at Uber Cup; held major titles in Australia, Canada, China-Taipei, and Japan; represented England on 111 occasions but was often in conflict with Badminton Association of England, which tried to decide where she would play and with whom. Named Great Britain's Sportswoman of the Year (1974, 1976); introduced into Badminton Hall of Fame (1999).

See also David Hunn, A Life of Badminton (Ward Lock, 1981).