Olympic silver medallist Nathan Robertson has officially backed a decision to stage badminton at Wembley Arena during the 2012 Games in London, contradicting the opinion of the Badminton World Federation.
Organisers decided against building a temporary venue at the Olympic Park, a move that is unpopular with badminton’s governing body.
But Robertson told BBC Sport: “For players, Wembley has a lot of history.
“To win a medal there at the London Olympics would give it a bit of extra spice rather than in a new venue.”
Robertson won silver with mixed doubles partner Gail Emms at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, but the pair enjoyed less success in Beijing four years later as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage.
“My will to want to go and play at those Olympics and possibly medal is driving me on for the next two years.”
A busy year for British badminton begins in earnest this weekend with the National Championships at the Manchester Velodrome.
Robertson and Wallwork are seeded first in the mixed doubles competition, while Robertson and Anthony Clark are top seeds in the men’s doubles as they bid to retain their title.
Wallwork will also be gunning for success in the women’s doubles as she partners another emerging young talent, 19-year-old Gabby White.
The pair were runners-up last year, but are now seeded first, while Rajiv Ouseph is top seed in the men’s singles as he looks to win a third straight national title.
The prestigious All England Championships at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena follow the Nationals in March, while the European Championships in April will also be held in this country – at Manchester’s MEN Arena from 14-18 April.
