Scotland's Imogen Bankier was able to soak up the atmosphere in Beijing as a member of Britain's Olympic Ambition Programme. A number of candidates for the London 2012 team were taken to China to give them a taste of what they will face in four years' time.

"It has been fantastic to be in Beijing, see how things work and watch the badminton," said the Glasgow 21-year-old, who has reached the top 12 in the world in mixed doubles with partner Robert Blair. "It really has spurred me on for London."

Unfortunately, Team GB didn't manage to win any badminton medals this year - 2004 silver medallists Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson bowed out in the quarter-finals of the mixed.

The intriguing question is - who will Nathan pick as his next mixed doubles partner as he sets his sights on London 2012? Gail had already announced that Beijing would be her final tournament.