Molly O’Donoghue, hailing from Manchester, made a stunning entrance into the world of pickleball by securing the gold medal at the 2024 Skechers English Nationals held in Bolton. At just 22 years old and studying at the University of Edinburgh, O’Donoghue partnered with Sara Tsukamoto to triumph in the Women’s Doubles Open. The duo showcased their impressive skills in the final, overcoming competitors Mercedes Baxter Chinery and Mollie Knaggs to claim victory. Remarkably, O’Donoghue only began playing pickleball eight months ago, making her achievement even more remarkable.
“It feels amazing,” O’Donoghue expressed, clearly elated with the win. “We’re so happy. It couldn’t have gone better.” She recounted how her journey in pickleball started in March, leading to their first competition together in Sweden last September and then onto Stuttgart. “Our styles matched well, and it just blossomed from there,” she added, emphasizing the supportive community of players they trained with.
Pickleball itself is a dynamic racket sport that utilizes paddles and a lightweight plastic ball, and it has gained significant traction in England. The sport, which was invented in the United States in 1965 and named after the family dog of its creators, is accessible to players of all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive pastime that can be enjoyed on the same court.
The Skechers English Nationals, which took place from October 31 to November 3 at Bolton Arena, featured four days of high-level pickleball competition, with a record-setting 1,111 participants. O’Donoghue remarked on the event, noting, “Here, you have the best players in the UK coming together. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talents and for spectators to witness the sport.” She believes pickleball offers everyone a chance to compete, regardless of their skill level.
O’Donoghue’s journey began during her time in Australia, where she sought a competitive outlet after previously playing tennis. “I discovered pickleball there and was captivated by the vibrant community,” she reflected. Hoping to foster the same enthusiasm back in the UK, she expressed her desire for the sport to grow further. “Currently, it thrives in America, Australia, and Asia, but I believe pickleball has the potential to expand here, attracting more players and leading to additional tournaments,” she concluded.
The 2024 Skechers English Nationals is noted as one of the largest pickleball events in the UK, and O’Donoghue’s victory marks a significant milestone not only for her career but also for the sport’s development in England. For further details, visit the Pickleball England website.