TWO-TIME Olympian Richard Vaughan has expressed his joy after securing a place on the executive board of badminton’s world governing body.
The 45-year-old, from Llanbradach, Wales, is the Badminton World Federation’s new vice-president, succeeding João Matos of Portugal.
Vaughan, who represented Great Britain in badminton at the Olympics in 2000 and 2004, was elected during the Badminton Europe Confederation Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan.
He received 31 out of 43 votes and will now take up the post for a four-year term until 2027.
Badminton Europe general secretary Brian Agerbak said: “Richard has a lot of experience in various areas of badminton, and it is great to have an Olympian in such an important position for Europe, and the sport as a whole.”
‘Badminton Wales Chair Peter Hybart added: ‘With his elite playing background and extensive governance experience, Richard is uniquely placed to ensure that the player is central within all decision-making, and World Badminton as an organisation continues to modernise itself. All within Badminton Wales congratulates Richard on becoming the first Welsh person to sit on the BWF Board’.
Vaughan, a former world number seven singles player, was forced into early retirement after being hampered by hip injuries.
Since finishing playing, he has been the CEO for Badminton Ireland and Squash Australia, and has held non-executive board positions at Badminton Europe and Equestrian Australia.
Vaughan said: “I am delighted to be elected to this key position by the European members. I am passionate about our sport and have lots of great memories in the sport.
“It was always going to be a difficult election as I have been based in Australia for the past several years due to my role at Squash Australia, but it is great to know I have the support of the members, and I look forward to finding a role soon back in Europe, hopefully Wales.
“In the role I can use my experience as an athlete, coach and administrator to good effect helping the sport, which is already one of the most viewed at the Olympic Games due to its strong Asian base, to continue to progress.”