It wasn't until 1992 that badminton was firmly installed as a part of the Olympic Game agenda and the first medals were worn by competitors at Barcelona. As a sport, badminton has a long history and is believed to have originated from a game played in India back in the 19th century.

The shuttlecock which is batted across the court by players is a bit of an unusual creation, but can fly through the air at extreme speeds of up to 200 miles an hour!

Gabrielle White, from Leeds, is just one young badminton player who's hoping to get the chance to represent Great Britain in 2012. She's already competed widely in national, European and International events and has famously won two bronze medals at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in 2007.