Welsh badminton star Kelly Morgan bowed out of the Olympics after reaching the last 16 of the ladies singles.

Here she reveals how dance classes helped her on-court coordination and why she'll be hitting the slopes once she hangs up her racket.

First of all, why badminton?

It all started by accident really.

A friend of the family started up a club and my brother and I would tag along with our parents. It was more of a social thing to start off with.

Did you play any other sports when you were growing up?

I come from a really sporty family so you name it, I did it! Tennis, swimming, hockey, netball, athletics - anything.

I also did a lot of dancing - tap, modern and ballet. I'm glad I did it because I think it helped with my coordination and footwork on court.

How come you decided to concentrate on badminton then?

Always something new to learn

If I'd have been sensible, I'd probably have opted for tennis or one of the other sports.

But I just really enjoyed badminton.

If there was a clash in my timetable, badminton always took priority over anything else.

As I got older I realised I was good at it and I really wanted to do well.

Even if I hadn't ended up playing badminton professionally, I would still be playing it as a hobby.

What is it about the sport you love?

I like the fact it's a game that can be enjoyed by all ages, regardless of ability.

And no matter how good you are, there's always something new to learn.

Any other sports you'd like to try?

My husband is really into extreme sports. He's always off mountain biking or snowboarding.

Kelly wants to hit the slopes

He's tried to get me to go with him and has even brought me all the gear.

But I tell him I can't, because I can't afford to get injured.

It's one thing I'm definitely going to do when I finish playing badminton!

You're going into your third Olympics. What are your hopes this time around?

Qualifying for Athens made me feel just as proud as it did when I made it to Atlanta way back in 1996.

The Olympics only come around once every four years and it's the pinnacle of every athlete's career.

You can't underestimate what a big, big achievement it is to get there.

I got through to the last 16 in Sydney four years ago so I'll be looking to do the same, if not better, this time.

Although it's a massive event, you have to try and put that out of your head.

After all it's the same faces you see, the same competitors you're up against. So you've got to try and treat it just like any other tournament.

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