Ireland’s Sam Magee, three-time European Games medallist, has announced his retirement after a 15-year professional career in the sport.
One of Ireland’s top badminton stars waves goodbye after a brilliant career. The doubles player secured the gold at the European Junior Championships in 2009 with France’s Sylvain Grosjean and then went on to earn many more medals throughout a professional career that has spanned over 15 years.
- I have been debating this decision over for some time now but after 15 years of professional sport, the time has come to hang up the racket. I am grateful for all the life lessons, the highs and many lows that come with a career in sports. I was blessed with some of the best coaches and support staff throughout my career who shaped me as the athlete and person I am today.
Memorable wins to look back on
Magee can look back on his career with great pride. His first big success in his senior career came in Azerbaijan in 2015 in the shape of not one but two bronze medals, alongside his brother Joshua in men’s doubles and sister Chloe in mixed doubles.
He repeated the feat with his sister Chloe in 2019, winning yet another bronze at the 2019 European Games in Minsk. Magee highlighted some of his wins in the statement in which he announced his retirement.
- European Junior Champion, achieving Ireland’s first major medals, and winning the German Bundesliga with some amazing teammates in TVR Refrath. These will go down as the oncourt highlights, Magee noted.
Grateful for the support and ready for a new chapter
The 21-times national title winner reached the 21st spot in the world ranking together with Chloe Magee, with who besides from those two European Games medals earned a bronze at the 2017 European Championships in Kolding. The player obtained a total 12 international titles in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. Magee thanked his sister and all those who supported him throughout his career.
- It takes two to tango, so thanks to all my doubles partners for putting up with me, especially Chloe. Never did we think starting out in Raphoe that we’d have a professional career, never mind being on European podiums and be ranked 21 in the world. Lastly my family, friends and followers, massive thanks for all the support and kind messages over the years.
However, this is not the last that badminton will see of him. Magee announced his plans to pursue a future in coaching.
- I am excited for the the next chapter, giving back to badminton in a coaching capacity, Magee concluded.
Badminton Europe wishes Sam Magee all the very best in his retirement.