Badminton international; Born November 16, 1958; Died January 25, 2008. I first met Pam Hamilton at a residential coaching course in Largs in 1975. I was an established international and Pam was a 16-year-old from Airdrie Academy. It was somewhat disconcerting to discover that not only could this schoolgirl hit every shot in my repertoire, but she even had a few extra tricks of her own.
To this day she remains the best natural shotmaker and striker of a shuttle I have ever seen. I practised with her regularly. I soon learned that the best way of improving my own timing and technique was to let Pam hit first, watch closely her execution, and then do likewise.
She very quickly became a feature on the international badminton circuit, routinely winning international matches and tournaments both at home and abroad.
She won 74 caps for Scotland in a career dating from 1975 to 1988. She won the Scottish National singles title in seasons 1980-81 and 1981-82 and was national doubles champion with Alison Fulton in seasons 1980-81, 1981-82 and 1982-83.
Pam represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in Canada in 1978 and again in Australia in 1982. She also competed in the European Championships in 1986, played against an England select in 1986-87 and won her last four caps in the 1987-88 Uber Cup (women's team) campaign.
In sport, as in life, no-one gets everything and Pam had a vulnerability to injury which prevented her from becoming the dominant force in world badminton her talent at one time suggested. Her ascendancy took place in an innocent, pre-professional era, and Pam had a sweet and generous nature to match the times.
She played with a smile and a twinkle, sometimes a giggle, and on occasions, a fit of the giggles. She died far too young after a protracted illness and is survived by her partner Brian, and her twin children Daniel and Sophie.
Pam Hamilton was an ornament to the game, and is sadly missed by all who knew her.
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