Mike Walker
National Records: 
1974, ‘75, ‘76,'79, ‘80, ‘83, ‘85, & '86 National Mixed Doubles Champion
1977, ‘79 & '80 - National Men's Doubles Champion
1978 - National Men's Singles Champion
International Records:
5-Time Member of the U.S. Thomas Cup Team
3-Time Member of the U.S. Devlin Cup Team
1994 - Coach of USA Thomas/Uber Cup Teams
At the age of 11, Mike Walker discovered badminton at a local gym in his hometown of Alhambra, CA. He was running wild when the recreational director got hold of him, put a racket in his hand, and pushed him out on the court to play. Once he had some success, he was hooked. By the end of the week, Mike enrolled in Lois Alston's badminton class, and began to play once a week on Fridays. After a month Mike entered his first tournament at the Manhattan Beach Badminton Club in the 11-and-under-age group, and won the boy's singles. This was the only trophy he would win for two years. Mike continued to play badminton and joined both the Glendale Badminton Club and the Pasadena Badminton Club. He became a Southern California tournament regular and could be seen playing wherever there were open gyms. He began entering junior, adult, and open tournaments. In 1967, Mike won his first Junior National Championship in the 18-and-under-Boy's Doubles. The following year he tripled crowned and swept the 18-and-under events in boy's singles, boy's doubles, and mixed doubles.
In the early 70's Mike teamed up with Helen "Kelly" Tibbetts, a top ranked mixed doubles player and former national champion, and entered his first national championships, which were held in Fullerton, CA. During these early years he steadied his game, improved his strategy, matured and grew confident as a player. In 1966 he asked a young promising girl, Judianne Kelly, to play mixed doubles with him in various local tournaments. They entered their first national championships in Boston in 1970, and steadily improved and began competing against the best and winning. The team's longevity of 14 years, national prowess, and championships are well documented-winning 8 US National Mixed Doubles championships. During these successful mixed doubles years, it was not uncommon to find Mike playing in two and three national final events. In 1978, Mike won the US Men's Singles, and in 1977, ‘78 & '80, he won three titles in Men's Doubles, bringing his US National titles total to 14! During these years most players were content entering one or two events but not Mike--he entered all three events with the intent to win all three events. His skill, stamina, versatility, quickness, long powerful strokes and aggressive style made him a top elite player, who was highly motivated seeking excellence each time he stepped onto the court.
Mike has remained an active participant: athlete, tournament director, and coach in the sport of badminton for 45 years and will continue to compete as long as he is healthy. Mike continues to enter and win senior events. He is also a tournament squash player and member of the Orange County Badminton Club and Pacific Athletic Club, San Diego. For the past 5 years he has coached the University of California at San Diego Badminton team to two US National Team Championships.
Mike is co-owner of San Diego Badminton Supply/Seaside Racquets, a racquets specialty business in Cardiff by the Sea, CA, with his wife of 12 years, Sunny Kim. Mike attributes his success in badminton to these mentors/role models: Frank Auxier, Joe Alston, Lois Alston, and Wynn Rogers.
