A young badminton star from Harrogate has returned triumphant from two major international tournaments with three gold medals.
Olympic hopeful Rhys Williams won first place in the men’s doubles at the U17 Luxembourg International championships at the end of October.
Just a few days later, the 15-year-old, who attends Ripon Grammar School, claimed golds in the men’s singles and doubles at the Victor U17 Portugal Open.
It’s the latest in a series of wins for the teenager, who joined RGS in Year 10 in September and hopes to study engineering and sports management.
He plays in the top-level groups at Badminton England events and consistently competes as the number one seed in U17 in badminton’s highest gold-level tournaments.
Having started playing when he was eight years old, his ambition is to represent Great Britain at the Junior International Tournament in 2026.
He said:
“I also hope one day to achieve great results at the European Championships and the Olympics."
Rhys has been selected for the England Junior Performance Pathway camps, which recognises the most promising junior national players, three times.
He was inspired to take up badminton after watching local matches and admiring the skill and precision of the players and began playing national tournaments just over a year ago.
He now trains three times a week, for two to three hours at a time.
Harrogate BID celebrates another successful dog show
Specialist school for autistic pupils to open in Harrogate
Details revealed for return of Masham Tractor Run
Harrogate man attempts to smash second world record at London Marathon
Vintage tractor run raises more than £5,000 for Harrogate cancer centre
Harrogate mum runs half marathon to raise £2,400 for rare skin condition charity
Controversial expansion of Harrogate bottled water plant set for go-ahead
Ripon choristers shine in BBC's national Easter broadcast
Council plans to introduce 50p charge for public toilets
Starbeck Baths granted Asset of Community Value status
Historic Ripon Town Hall could be handed to city council
North Yorkshire Council launches legal action over road repair funding decision
Harrogate entrepreneur back in business with coeliac-safe brownies
Harrogate father-of-three to climb, cycle and run across UK in 5 days
Police appeal after 'derogatory word' spray painted onto van
Farmhouse in Harrogate celebrates seventh anniversary
Harrogate charity's shop set to feature on BBC's Shift the Thrift
New exhibition opens to mark 200 years of Harrogate's first hospital
Harrogate Brewing Co celebrates first anniversary on Royal Parade
Lightwater Valley set to introduce another new attraction
