Lucy makes a racket as badminton’s next big thing

Sport Newcastle’s newest Platinum star is courting continued success after picking up where she left off last year.

Towards the end of 2024 Lucy Dodd defied the odds to land a national Under 19 doubles title — before heading to Ibiza for the European Championships.

Buoyed by a strong showing on the sunshine isle, the teenage talent made it three county titles on the bounce as she retained her Northumberland seniors mixed doubles crown.

Lucy celebrated her 18th birthday in February by bringing home double silver from a fiercely competitive Under 19 gold event.

And last month she was back in Europe — stunning Spanish fans after taking silver in the junior mixed doubles and bronze in the women’s doubles.

With A-levels looming large, Lucy’s temporarily swapping badminton for books but expect a big finish to 2025. 

“It’s wonderful to see the athletes we support enjoying continued success on the international stage,” said Sport Newcastle Trustee Kingsley Hyland OBE. “Lucy is a fantastic example of the talent the North East continues to produce.”