Richard Peete, a seasoned badminton player, found a new calling in the world of pickleball after deciding to step away from the rigorous demands of his first sport. At 67, Peete, a resident of Saffron Walden, had spent over 50 years playing competitive badminton, but recurring back pain pushed him toward retirement from league play three years ago. Yet, his love for competition didn’t fade. With encouragement from an old partner, Peete decided to pick up a pickleball paddle, which allowed him to continue enjoying sports without compromising his health.
Peete’s initial experience with pickleball was positive and almost immediately transformative. He quickly realized that unlike badminton, pickleball didn’t aggravate his back, allowing him to stay active without physical strain. “There’s a unique camaraderie in pickleball,” Peete explains, highlighting the welcoming nature of the sport. The blend of technique and strategy that pickleball demands brought a refreshing challenge to Peete, who appreciates the diverse range of players and their varying approaches to the game.
The 2024 English Nationals at Bolton Arena, running from October 31 to November 3, exemplifies pickleball’s growing appeal, attracting a record-breaking 1,111 players. While it was initially invented in 1965 as a children’s backyard game in the U.S., pickleball has evolved to become a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. In England, it has grown significantly, with more tournaments and clubs emerging each year, although Peete notes that league structures are still developing across the country.
Peete, like many other enthusiasts, sees potential for pickleball to expand even further. “While it’s still mainly a club-based and inter-club sport, I’d love to see it reach a point where we have leagues in all areas,” he says. He believes the sport’s accessibility and adaptability to players of different ages and abilities make it ideal for community engagement and personal growth.
Reflecting on his transition from badminton, Peete encourages others from racquet sports backgrounds, such as tennis or squash, to give pickleball a try. For him, pickleball has offered not only a way to stay active and competitive but also a new social network and sense of belonging. As the English Nationals continue to set new participation records, Peete’s journey showcases how a shift in focus can lead to a revitalized passion for sports and a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.