Smashing Simon Archer quits at 33
Author: Reuters
Date: 17 Aug 2006
Category: Tournament Results
Leading doubles player Simon Archer, who boasted the fastest smash in the game, quit international badminton on Wednesday because of injury.
The 33-year-old Briton has won a string of top honours in badminton doubles including an All England mixed title with Jo Goode in 1999 and the pair also took a world championship silver (1999) and an Olympic bronze (2000).
"Looking back I've been lucky to have had some wonderful partners over my career," said Archer in a statement.
"Despite some chronic injuries in recent years, I feel very proud of what I have achieved, winning most majors and winning medals in the Worlds and Olympics."
Archer, who appeared in the Guiness Book of Records with a world record smash of 260kph set in 1996 which still stands, will help coach youngsters, play in domestic tournaments and work in his father's engineering company.
