Apparently nomination for IBF training facility, Saarbrucken from Oceania were: John Moody (NZL), Rebecca Gordon (NZL), Stuart Gomez (AUS), and Susan Dobson (AUS). Unofficially the successful applicants were: John Moody(NZL), and Susan Dobson (AUS). No slight on Susan, but it is unfortunate for Rebecca! Noting the four test periods for European traing centres in 2005 are Saarbrucken 7 March - 6 May 30 May - 29 July 3 October - 30 November, Sofia 4 April - 3 June with 20 athletes (10 male and 10 female) selected, and atheletes are to be Under 22, but not younger than 17/18.
Unsuccessful perhaps due to their age??? Stuart will be 23 soon and I'm quite certain that Rebecca is NOT between 17 & 22.
The good news is Stuart Gomez is going to Saarbrucken! Attachemnts (Stuart Gomez of left of photos) 1. Mens Doubles with Raja Veeran 2. Mixed doubles with Susan Wang vs Sun Jun and Dai Yun Note IBF applies discretion regarding ages, especially when only a year off!
Update from Badminton Australia "Congratulations to Susan Dobson and Stuart Gomez who were selected to travel to Saabrucken Germany to train at the first IBF Training Centre to get underway. 6 players from the European Badminton Confederation, 6 from the Asian Badminton Confederation, 4 from the Americas, 2 from Oceania, and 2 from Africa Confederation were selected to attend the 2 month training – a total of 10 men and 10 women aged 18 – 22 years old. All are Singles players." Looks like John Moody (NZL) pulled out?
what were Sun Jun and Dai Yun doing in Australia? are they there to play badminton only or looking for a job? were their 2nd halves (ie. Ge Fei and Liu Yong) there also?
Kwun, Please check these articles, no their partners were not with them this was a Nanjing Sports Institute exchange visit. Regards Stuart Top Chinese Players visit Sydney http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20214 Top Chinese Players visit Melbourne http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19982
Articles on training Centre BA Article (Stuart Gomez's report): http://badminton.org.au/IBF German Camp 1.pdf IBF Article: http://www.worldbadminton.net/Portal/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=10&ItemID=1741
Winex West Can, Stuart's reports are funny!! lol. Sounds like he's having a blast. Rollerocasters, BBQs, and offcourse 'ear piercing'
What I find even more interesting is that the player from Pakistan just took off and left. I am sure that most of us if given the opportunity to train at the centre would gladly take the two months to do so and work to qualify for the olympics in 2008. So sad to let the opportunity slip away.
Ah well, maybe cause in pakistan cricket and hockey are more attractive sports as compared to badminton? But that still doesn't answer the question. If he was good enough to be selected why didn't he make the most of his opportunity. I would stay for the 2 months definitely if ever I was given such a chance . No complaints will come from me throughout the whole course of the training scheme. Oh well, another one bites the dust.
Aussies Rate Highly in first IBF Training Centre Results From Badminton Australia, E-mail newsletter, Badminton Briefs #25 Aussies Rate Highly in first IBF Training Centre Results Congratulations to Susan Dobson (TAS) and Stuart Gomez (NSW) who performed very well at the two month training camp at the first IBF World Training Centre in Saabruecken Germany. Stuart made a short presentation to the IBF Annual Meeting on his experiences. The second intake in Saabruecken is starting in early June and the first intake at the new facility in Guangzhou starts mid June. Badminton Australia is making recommendations to the OBC for sports at the IBF World Training facilities throughout the year. A terrific opportunity for young (18 – 22 years) talented athletes.
