Photo Louis Ross
Gillian Gilks sparkled on the world stage for all of her glittering career, winning numerous titles from the late 60’s into the mid 80’s.
Always a joy to watch ,with her graceful movement , tactical instinct , and will to win, setting her aside as one of the best ever.
Just take a look at the record books to see the range, geographic spread, calibre of opponents and volume of her wins in singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Unquestionably a real winner.
Some highlights:
12 European titles, 2 in singles, 4 women’s doubles, 6 mixed doubles.
11 All England titles , 2 in singles, 3 women’s doubles , 6 mixed doubles.
2 Olympic medals in 1972 demo event , bronze in singles, Gold in mixed doubles.
She was the first World number 1 in ladies singles in the inaugural IBF rankings list issued in 1978 and was inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame in 1999.
Photo Peter Richardson
To crown it all, in The All England in 1976 she won all 3 events , ladies singles, doubles and mixed, something generally regarded now as something that will never be repeated, watch her talk about this and how the game has changed over time in an excellent interview with Gill Clark held in May 2026.
A true Champion.
