Heart surgery may be Gary Fox’s biggest challenge over the next month, but he does not intend to make up the numbers at this weekend’s English National Badminton Championships.
The 23-year-old who grew up in Manchester will undergo an operation in a fortnight after he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation last October – a condition which was picked up on by GB Badminton chief medical officer Cathy Speed.
It initially stopped him from playing but, after being given the all-clear to compete, the men’s and mixed doubles specialist has vowed not to let it get in his way.
“I’ve actually got an operation in my heart in the next couple of weeks, so I’m out for a month after this tournament,” said Fox, a former St Mary’s Catholic High School pupil.
“I’ve got atrial fibrillation which is where my heart beats very irregular when it shouldn’t.
“I’ve had it for about five years but it was wrongly diagnosed when I first got it, and in October 2013 the doctor here, Cathy Speed, found out what it was and got it sorted out.”
The condition initially prevented Fox from competing but after seeing specialists he has been given the go-ahead to play but has been warned he must stop immediately if the condition arises.
“If i feel it’s quite scary because it’s quite dangerous, but I’m starting to live with it right now. Once I’m over it I will be able to focus on badminton properly,” he added.
For the now the attention is on the National Championships in Milton Keynes, with Fox and mixed doubles partner Sophie Brown seeded fourth as the action kicks off on Saturday.
Despite being unseeded in the men’s doubles with Ben Stawski, the player is still gunning for the final four in both disciplines.
He said: “I am looking forward to the nationals. This will be my fourth or fifth year playing seniors so I am looking forward to a new venue.
“In the mixed (doubles) we have a tough semi-final if we get there but hopefully we do and then see what happens. In the men’s though I am not seeded, I am looking to try and get into a semi-final in that as well.
“The top two pairs are quite strong in men’s and in mixed so it will be a big effort to try and beat them in the semi-final but a semi-final in both is my aim.
“A final is possible but at the minute the top two pairs are really strong so it is very unlikely.”
You can watch live coverage of the finals this Sunday from 12pm to 5pm on www.badmintonengland.co.uk/tv and tickets are still available to buy at www.nationalbadmintonchamps.co.uk.”
Image courtesy of Matt Boschetti via Flickr, with thanks.
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