Seen on the Green Famous Faces From Chingford by Thom Goddard This Month: Darren Hall A champion is someone

who wins a championship. A double champion has won two. And a triple champion has won three. When you have won 14 national championships, one European crown, competed at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and the World Championships there can be only one title: sporting legend. Darren Hall was born in 1965 and went to Selwyn School, Chingford. There he met England footballer Teddy Sheringham and they remain close friends to this day. Early in his life, Darren discovered a flair and passion for badminton and in 1980 he was picked for the Badminton Association of England Junior Team. From the age of 15 he set off traveling the world to play badminton. Darren started to win titles at an early age. He was the England Junior (under 18) Singles Champion and Junior Mens Doubles Champion in 1983 and in 1984 the England Junior Mens Doubles Champion and Junior Mixed Doubles Champion. The following year Darren was chosen by England to represent his country at the World Badminton Championships. Although he did not win this one, Darren Hall competed in the biennial World Championships every year from 1985 until 1999. This is a record for any player in the sport of badminton and one that some commentators believe will never be beaten. The first big crown came in 1986 when Darren Hall won the England National Championship. This was also the start of something special because Darren went on to win 10 English National Championships - another record. His big year came in 1988 when Darren won the England National Championship again but this time it was the start of 4 consecutive titles, a feat that had never been achieved before. He won his tenth and final English Championship in 1999. Darren Hall also won the European Championship in 1988, defeating Morten Frost who is widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time. Darren Halls skill and continued success in badminton led to a Team Gold Medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and competition at 3 Olympic Games, spanning 12 years at the top of the international game. Darrens legacy as one of the best badminton players, if not the best player, Britain has ever produced lives on. Aamir Ghaffar, England Champion 2004 and 2005 says Darren Hall is his idol and inspired him to become a champion. So keep a look out for anyone you meet in the Mount or have seen on the Green! If you spot anyone contact: seenonthegreen@allstartalent.co.uk