For decades, the Victorian Open has been a stage where juniors grow into state and national athletes. This year, past Victorian greats; Olympians, Commonwealth Games medallists, national champions and lifelong contributors returned to share their memories and advice for the next generation.

Dual Olympians Peter Blackburn and Amanda Hardy spoke about the moments that defined their careers. “The [2000] Olympic Games was an awesome experience… competing in front of a home crowd in Sydney was incredible,” Peter said. 

Amanda highlighted the importance of team events like the World Team Championships and tournaments, “Once you’re in that team environment, that’s when we come together best and play at our best.”

Olympian Erin Walklate reflected on how badminton shaped both her life and family. “Probably meeting my husband playing for Victoria, we met in an under-17 team and now we have three little badminton stars,” she said. She also described competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as “amazing… playing in a country where badminton is such a famous, fabulous sport.” Now a coach at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, her advice for the next generation is powerful: “Train the way you want to play.”

Former Commonwealth Games medallist Tracey Ritchie summed up her journey: “Badminton’s given me absolutely everything… representing Victoria in juniors, winning Open titles, playing two Commonwealth Games and World Championships.” 

Lifelong volunteer Trevor Armstrong added context: “Tracey was the first female to captain an Australian team overseas.” Trevor, who has been involved since the 1960s, has seen the sport transform “from church halls to the professional set-up we have now.”

Four-time Victorian Open champion Darren McDonald shared how deeply badminton is woven into his life. “I can remember being on my father’s knee while my mother won when I was six weeks old… on the front page of the paper,” he said. He has since watched the sport evolve in every part of its structure, from equipment to facilities to overall professionalism.

2016 Rio Olympian Sawan Serasinghe said returning to the same stadium where he once trained with the national team felt like a “trip down memory lane.” He’s proud to see young, hungry players fighting for wins and excited by the sport’s rapid growth at both social and elite levels.

Across all memories and experiences, the advice to first-time Open players and the next badminton stars were consistent: “Try your best, never give in, fight for every point,” said Peter. Amanda added, “These tournaments are building blocks… enjoy it.” Former Olympian Erin echoed the same message: “Train how you want to play.”

These stories reflect a legacy built over decades, one that today’s players continue to carry forward, rally by rally.