Melvin Wick

Melvin played badminton for Orkney from 1972 until 1993. During this era, he earned 21 caps against Shetland as well as numerous caps against Caithness.  Melvin won numerous tournaments, one day competitions and inter-county games against Shetland, Caithness and Inverness. He participated frequently in local fixtures competing in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, winning many titles. He also represented the West Mainland badminton versus the East Mainland for many years.

Melvin’s skills were not only noticed locally, during his early playing days (1970’s) he was spotted by Scottish Badminton and invited to train at sportscotland’s National Training Centre at Largs. This type of invite was unusual for an Orkney player in the early part of 1970’s which indicates the caliber of player Melvin was.

Melvin also represented Orkney at the second ‘Inter-Island Games’ in1987. During the Games Melvin played in the mixed doubles, against Guernsey.  One of the Guernsey players was No.1 in Europe at this time. The game was exceedingly close with Melvin and his partner certainly making the opposition work hard for their win. Melvin’s ability has earned him the status of being one of Orkney’s best badminton players of the time and he helped put Orkney badminton firmly on the map.