DURHAM -- Badminton may seem like a leisurely sport, a staple at family reunions and outdoor parties. But what many people might not know is that the competitive version is the fastest racquet sport in the world. The "shuttlecocks" that players hit can leave the racquet at speeds exceeding 200 mph.
World Champion players Howard Bach and Tony Gunawan shared these and other little-known facts about the sport Friday with students gathered in Durham School of the Arts' gymnasium. Their visit was not simply to show off their skills as they leaped in the air and forcefully hit shuttlecocks over the net.
They brought the message: "Follow your dreams, set your goals, and above all, get your education." Bach and Gunawan were joined by Will Milroy and Mike Beres, the top men's doubles team from Canada. The four players visited schools around the area.
Bach and Gunawan made history by being the first U.S. players to win an International Badminton Federation World Championship title. They won the Men's Doubles Gold Medals at the 2005 IBF World Championships at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, Calif., in August 2005.
Bach told the students that he and his teammate began playing the sport around age 5, and they now train five hours a day, five days a week.
"We run, lift weights, do a lot of agility work," he said. "It requires a lot of jumping and endurance."
After a few rounds of showing the spectators how badminton is played, the four professional players invited students, teachers and the principal to have a shot at the game in front of their cheering peers.
Principal Ron Roukema tore off his tan jacket, tossed it aside and took to the court along with a few teachers. He did not look impressed with his first few attempts to hit the shuttlecock, but he kept trying.
"It's a lot harder than it looks," he said, after leaving the court. "I haven't played in almost 25 years. It's a whole new experience."
Besides seeing a competitive badminton match, Roukema said he hoped the students learned about the commitment, practice and dedication the players have for the game.
"[Students] can achieve anything they want to achieve," he said.
Isabelle Sinclair, 13, said some students had preconceived notions about watching a badminton game, but many of them felt differently after watching professional players in action.
"A lot of people thought it was lame. People thought it was a girly sport for men," she said. "But, I thought it was cool."
The players will return to the Durham School of the Arts at 8 p.m. today to play an exhibition match. Admission is free for children, but $10 for adults.
