Meet England’s rising badminton star Leona Lee

At just 19, Leona Lee is rapidly establishing herself as one of Badminton England’s most promising young athletes. A finalist at the English National Championships in both 2024 and 2025, and a semi-finalist at the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships, Leona is already gaining valuable experience on the international stage.

Her highlights video should also include finals appearances at the Croatia Future Series and victory at the Spanish Future Series in 2023 – results that underline her steady progression through the ranks. Training full-time at the National Badminton Centre, Leona combines physical intensity with a strong emphasis on mental resilience, an area she identifies as the hardest – and most important – skill to master in elite badminton. Her ambition is to break into the world’s top 100 and eventually compete at the Olympic Games.

EARLY YEARS

Tell us about your first success in your sport?
My first major success in badminton came when I was selected to play for my county. It was a proud moment that marked the beginning of my competitive journey. From there, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to represent England, which was an incredible honour. The highlight came when we competed in the U15 8 Nations tournament and won the title—an unforgettable experience that showed me the rewards of hard work and dedication.

What was the name of your first sports club?
I’ve trained with my dad for my entire life so I haven’t played in a sports club before.

GRASSROOTS

What would you say to someone thinking about trying your sport?
I’d say go for it – badminton is far more exciting and challenging than most people expect. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic sport that improves your fitness, reflexes, and mental sharpness. Whether you enjoy competitive matches or just want a fun way to stay active, there’s something in it for everyone. The community is welcoming, and the sense of progress is really rewarding, the interest for the sport is increasing and it’s so good to see more people playing and trying it out.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started?
I wish I’d known how important patience and consistency are in badminton. Early on, it’s easy to focus only on power or winning points quickly, but real progress comes from mastering the basics, developing solid technique, and staying mentally strong—even during tough matches or training sessions. I also wish I’d realized sooner how much of the game is mental – staying focused, confident, and adaptable can make all the difference on court.

HEROES

Which sportspeople do you admire now, and why?
One sportsperson I really admire is An Se Young, the South Korean badminton player. Her rise to the top of the sport at such a young age is incredibly inspiring.  What stands out most is her consistency, composure under pressure, and intelligent shot selection. Considering recent gossip, it was a hard time for her but she has been able to bounce back which shows great maturity and determination, she has always been an inspiration for me, I hope to play her one day. Her work ethic, resilience through injuries, and humble attitude make her a true role model on and off the court.

The hardest skill in badminton isn’t physical – it’s mental toughness

TRAINING

How often do you train?
I train 5 times a week at the National Badminton Centre, occasionally on the weekends, depending on tournaments.

Describe a typical training session
session we like to do Shadow – a training drill to improve speed of movement and footwork patterns. Our sessions include a lot of 1v1 and 2v1 practice including attack and defence drills to help with endurance and anticipation under pressure. To end our sessions, we focus on technical based practice, this will include areas we are focusing on improving and want to refine, so we can use them more effectively in a match. During the day we also have strength and conditioning sessions, so we can build more muscle strength and power.

What is your favourite training session/exercise/drill?
My favourite badminton training drill is the 2v1 defensive drill. It puts the player under constant pressure, which sharpens their reflexes, footwork, and defensive consistency. I like how it forces quick decision-making and smart shot placement, especially when trying to neutralize two attackers. It also builds endurance without feeling repetitive, since every rally is unpredictable. This drill simulates real-game intensity while developing tactical awareness and mental toughness – all in one session.

Which part of your body suffers the most in your sport?
For me my adductor suffers the most in my sport, due to the repetitive deep lunges, I have suffered injuries in my adductor, so it’s been a focus to strengthen that muscle.

What’s the toughest thing about being an athlete?
The toughest part of being an athlete is the mental and emotional strain – constant pressure to perform, the sacrifice of time and social life, dealing with injuries, repetitive training, and sometimes feeling isolated. Staying motivated through setbacks and expectations is a major challenge, even more than the physical demands.

What’s the hardest part/skill in your sport to master?
The hardest skill in my sport is mental toughness. Being able to stay calm when the scores are close but especially when you’re down and making mistakes, it’s so tempting to give up and not try, but having the mental strength will keep your head up and try even harder. Mental strength is needed for resilience to be able to bounce back from bad performances and injuries. And having that self belief that you can do it, trusting your own abilities and skills even when things are tough.

MOTIVATION

What’s your training mantra?
Every training session is one step closer to my goal.

How do you keep going mentally when things get tough?
I keep going mentally when things get tough. I speak to my friends and family as well as coaches. They’re able to help me through bad situations and give me positivity. Also positive self-talk using encouraging phrases is helpful.

Do you have a mental exercise you complete or something/someone you think about?
Before a match, during my warm-up I use mental imagery; I visualise my best performance – imagining myself on court moving fluidly and playing confidentiality.

What’s been your greatest sporting moment so far?
My greatest sporting moment so far is my match at the Mixed European Team Championships against Clara Azurmendi who is ranked 73 in the world. It was a game I was not expected to win but playing with immense support from my teammates I was able to get the win and secure us a bronze medal.

How do you deal with defeats/set-backs?
I see setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than failures. Setbacks are always part of an athlete’s journey; it’s the only way we can build up to become stronger.

NUTRITION

What are you go-to feel-good treats?
Bananas, yogurt and granola.

How does nutrition improve your performance?
Good nutrition fuels your body with energy, aids muscle repair, keeps you hydrated and focused, supports your immune system, speeds recovery, and sharpens your mind—all essential for top badminton performance.

FUN STUFF

Can you share three quirky facts not many people know about you

Are there any sports you aren’t good at?
I’m not very good at golf and football.

How do you unwind away from sport?
I unwind away from sport by seeing my friends and family, I enjoy their company. I also love shopping.

What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during competition?
The strangest thing that has happened during competition is that the lights all went out while we were playing.

What are plans, aims and hope for 2026?
My goal is to win more international titles, and increase my ranking, hopefully by the end of the year be in the top 100 in the world. And start playing in the World Tour. My biggest goal is to play the Olympics in 2028.