Team IOM Profiles: Badminton
Four athletes will represent the Isle of Man in Badminton at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
Benjamin LI
The 24 year old from Cheltenham is no stranger to the Commonwealth Games – he was the flag bearer when the Isle of Man hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011 and went on to represent the Island at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.
He is here at the Gold Coast with his sister Jessica who is also on the Isle of Man Badminton Team.
Benjamin will compete in Men’s Singles and Mixed doubles
Hobbies: "Sports that I'm not as good at as badminton."
Education: Mathematics at University of Warwick, Coventry, England
Languages spoken: English
Coach: PERSONAL: Ben BECKMAN
Sporting relatives: Sister, Jessica, represents Isle of Man in badminton.
Reason: "I play badminton because I am extremely competitive, and enjoy the challenge in terms of combining physical, mental and tactical skills."
Memorable: "The Opening Ceremony and first match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2014), and being the flagbearer for Team IOM at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man in 2011.
Hero: "Chinese badminton player, LIN Dan."
Jessica LI
20 year old Jess is a Student and was born in the Isle of Man. She is a medal winner at the 2017 Island Games in Gotland, clocking up 2 Golds and a bronze. It’s a family affair here at the Gold Coast as her brother Benjamin is also on the Manx Badminton Team.
Jess will compete in Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles.
Hobbies: Travelling, eating, cooking, baking
Occupation: Student
Education: Economics and mathematics at University of Bath, England
Languages spoken: Cantonese, English
Coach: CLUB: Peter BUSH (ENG)
NATIONAL: Benjamin LI (Brother)
Sporting relatives: Her brother, Benjamin, represents Isle of Man in badminton, and competed at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Reason: "Started playing with family when I was about six, after my brother started playing."
Ambition: "Represent the Island at the Commonwealth Games and reach the highest level I can."
Memorable: "Opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and winning medals at the Island Games in 2017."
Cristen MARRITT
28 year old Cristnen has represented the Island twice before at the Commonwealth Games (Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014) and the Gold Coast marks her third appearance.
Cristen will compete in Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles
Education: Leeds Metropolitan University, England
Coach: PERSONAL: Alex MARRITT (Husband)
NATIONAL: Benjamin LI
Sporting relatives: Her husband, Alex MARRITT, represented England in badminton and is a high performance coach.
Kimberley CLAGUE
Kimberley has represented the Isle of Man twice before at the Commonwealth Games; Delhi in 2010 and again in 2014 at Glasgow.
The 29 year old is from Douglas and will compete in women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles.
Education: Business management at University of Birmingham, England
Coach: NATIONAL: Benjamin LI