Badminton Ace, 80, Still Soaring on the Court in belgium
An 80-year-old badminton enthusiast continues too play weekly at the Koninklijke Badmintonclub PSV Brugge in Belgium, proving age is just a number when it comes to passion and athleticism.
Robert Hilderson, the club’s oldest player, began playing badminton with friends and family at the Tempelhof. He later joined BC Ombesa and then PSV through a friend who worked at Philips Brugge. The PSV Badmintonclub Brugge was officially founded in 1972, initially for Philips employees and their families, but opened to the public in 1997 for recreational and competitive players.
Hilderson has enjoyed considerable success within the club, winning numerous tournaments, primarily in mixed doubles. He prefers doubles and finds joy in partnering with women on the court. Hilderson also participated in singles tournaments but favored team-based competitions. He even played internationally in the Netherlands during his time with Philips, competing against top Dutch players, including national champions.
despite his age, hilderson remains dedicated to the sport, emphasizing the mental and physical benefits he derives from it.”In the past, when I came home tired from work, I could clear my head while playing badminton,” he says. “I could forget everything and concentrate on how and where I would hit the shuttle.”
He acknowledges that playing at his age requires careful readiness.”Playing doesn’t work if I’m cold; being warm is absolutely essential,” he explains, highlighting the importance of a good warm-up. Wearing knee supports, Hilderson advises his teammates of all ages to properly warm up.
While his smashing days are behind him,Hilderson focuses on defensive play,skillfully dropping the shuttlecock over the net. His technique and court positioning remain sharp. He enjoys socializing and contributing to the club, even helping set up the nets.The camaraderie extends to the ”après-badminton,” which includes enjoying a croque monsieur.
When asked about his many trophies, hilderson generously donated a “suitcase full” of his trophies and medals to the younger players of the Koninklijke Brugse Badmintonclub.
Badminton for Life: A passion That Defies Age
A dedicated badminton player continues to grace the courts,showcasing a love for the sport that spans decades.Despite advancing years, this player remains active, competing regularly and inspiring family members to join the fun.
Weekly Routine: Staying Active on the Court
The badminton enthusiast maintains a rigorous schedule, participating in training sessions and competitive matches throughout the week. A typical week involves training sessions on Thursday evenings and competitive play on Saturday mornings. Rest and recuperation are crucial, especially for muscle recovery.
Club Competitions: Red vs. Blue
PSV badminton club offers two types of competitions: the “red” and “blue” leagues. The red league involves playing with a fixed partner throughout the year in various disciplines like singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, based on player skill level. This player participates in doubles and mixed matches.The blue league provides variety,with players rotating partners every three matches.
Affordable Fun: Debunking the Cost Myth
Badminton is an accessible and affordable sport. A quality racket can be purchased without breaking the bank, with options available for different playing styles and skill levels. Each brand offers unique features tailored to advanced players, versatile players, or those seeking speed.
Family Affair: A Multi-generational Passion
The love for badminton runs deep within the family, with multiple generations actively involved in the sport. The player’s daughter, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and her partner all regularly play. This seasoned player still imparts wisdom and learns from the younger generation, who encourage perseverance and offer playful advice on staying quiet during games.
Evolution of the Game: A shift in Scoring
Badminton has evolved over the years, most notably with changes to the scoring system. Matches now extend to 21 points rather of the previous 15, which the player finds beneficial, using the initial phase to warm up. The player hopes to continue playing badminton as long as health permits and jokingly mentions that a free membership gifted by the club means there’s no option but to continue playing.
How important is the social aspect of badminton to Robert, and can you describe his “après-badminton”?
Badminton Ace, 80, Still Soaring: Q&A
This Q&A section dives deeper into the story of Robert Hilderson, the 80-year-old badminton enthusiast, and the sport he loves.
Q&A
Q: Were does Robert Hilderson play badminton?
A: He plays at the Koninklijke Badmintonclub PSV Brugge in Belgium.
Q: How long has Robert Hilderson been playing badminton?
A: He’s been playing for many years, starting with friends and family before joining various clubs.
Q: What kind of success has Robert Hilderson had?
A: He’s won numerous tournaments, especially in mixed doubles, and played at a high level even internationally.
Q: What are Robert’s favorite aspects of the game?
A: He loves the mental and physical benefits, the social aspect, and the camaraderie, especially the post-game “après-badminton.”
Q: How does he adapt to playing at his age?
A: He focuses on defensive play,sharp technique,proper warm-up,and wearing knee supports. Remember, warming up is key at any age to avoid injuries!
Q: What does his weekly routine look like?
A: He trains on Thursdays and plays competitively on Saturday mornings, ensuring rest for muscle recovery.
Q: What leagues does his club offer?
A: The club offers “red” and “blue” leagues, with the “red” league having fixed partners and the “blue” league rotating partners.
Q: Is badminton an expensive sport?
A: No, it’s affordable. You can buy a quality racket without a huge investment.Tip: Start with a versatile racket to develop your skills!
Q: How does his family participate in the sport?
A: His daughter, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and her partner all play, making it a multi-generational activity. Family game night? Consider badminton!
Q: How has the game changed over time?
A: The scoring system has changed to 21 points per match, allowing more time for warming up.
Q: What does the future hold for his badminton career?
A: He hopes to keep playing as long as his health permits, and he even received a free membership from his club!
Q: Where did he donate his trophies?
A: Robert generously donated his trophies to the younger players of the Koninklijke Brugse badmintonclub to inspire them.
Q: How does he feel about the younger generation?
A: He enjoys learning from the younger generation and even takes their playful advice during the games.
Robert hilderson’s story proves that passion and dedication can keep you thriving in the sport you love, no matter your age. Ready to pick up a racket and start your own badminton journey?
