Name: Tamisha Williams
City / Country: Barbados
Birth Date: 29/11/1982
At what age did you start in Badminton and how do you get into this sport?
“I started in Badminton at age of 13. I Saw it being played in my school and I tried it.”
In how many tournaments did you participate and what were your best results?
“I participated in more than 20 tournaments. I won gold in Doubles at CAREBACO Games 2014, in Mixed at CAREBACO Games 2016 and in Doubles at Suriname Open 2017. Also won silver in Singles at Suriname Open 2016. And this year, I won Gold in Singles and Doubles at CAREBACO Games.”
To how many countries have badminton taken you?
“Badminton has taken me to 9 countries: Curacao, Suriname, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Guatemala.”
Which are your short and medium term objectives as a badminton player?
“One of my short term objetives was an individual gold at CAREBACO Games, and I reached it. Now, I focus on participating in the Olympic Games.”
Do you perform other activities in parallel to your career as an athlete such as study or work?
“I work at the office of Attorney General in Accounting field.”
How sacrificed is it to train and study or work at the same time?
“It’s easy to work and train because my times for work does not clash with my training hours. It take my physical toll sometimes but only if I don’t get enough rest, which is seldom.”
In addition to sport satisfactions, what others things does badminton give you?
“Badminton is an outlet for me to destress. Sometimes when I’am under pressure, I use Badminton as my main resource to take load off.”
“Reading and being a parent.”
Who was your first coach?
“My first coach was Carolyn Vaughn.”
Which club do you represent?
“I represent the Shuttler’s Badminton Club and Barbados Badminton Association”
What is the hardest thing of being a high-level athlete?
“For me, the difficulties are financial support and persons not understanding the demands of.”
Is badminton popular in your country?
“No, unfortunately Badminton is somewhat of a Cinderella sport in Barbados It’s often mistaken for other racket sport namely Squash.”
What would you say to people who want to practice badminton but see that it is not very popular in their country?
“All I can really say is do your research on the sport for knowledge and background and start a club with a few friends that may be interested as well.”
