It was reward for an outstanding career that included winning the 2006 world mixed doubles title with partner Nathan Robertson, two years after the same pair had won silver medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

 

Emms retired after the Beijing Olympics last year.

 

She said: "Olympic gold was the only thing I didn't win.

 

"I was a bit gutted, I would have loved to have finished winning gold in Beijing.

 

"I did everything I could to get there but with world gold, Commonwealth gold, European gold - I can't complain too much, but it would have been nice to have had the set."

 

Since retiring Emms had been named the first ever ambassador for the sport by Badminton England and is now acting as a mentor for the young generation in the preparation of the 2012 London Olympics.
 

 

 

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