Heather Robson


Heather Jean Robson was a New Zealand badminton and tennis player.

Early life and family

Born on 6 May 1928 in Auckland, to Effie Redwood and John Addis Redwood, Robson was educated at St Cuthbert's College. In 1953 she married Jeffrey Ellis Robson, who also played international badminton for New Zealand. The couple went on to have one child.

Sporting career

Tennis

In tennis Robson won both the New Zealand women's doubles and mixed doubles titles. She competed at Wimbledon twice, in 1954 and 1957. In 1954 she reached the third round of the singles, third round of the doubles, and third round of the mixed doubles. Three years later she progressed to the second round of the singles, quarter-finals of the doubles, and fourth round of the mixed doubles.

Badminton

As a badminton player Robson won seven New Zealand singles championships, and also won nine national women's doubles and three mixed doubles titles, playing with her husband. In 1954 she reached the semi-finals of the singles at All England Badminton Championships and won the Irish singles title.

Administration

At various times, Robson served as president of Auckland Tennis, Auckland Badminton, Badminton New Zealand. and Badminton Oceania.

Honours and awards

In 1988 Robson received a meritorious service award from the Badminton World Federation. She was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to racquet sports, in the 2001 New Year Honours. In 2013 the Badminton World Federation presented Robson with its lifetime achievement award.

Death

Robson died in Auckland on 11 October 2019.