Archie Morton‘s story of how badminton helped him rebuild his life after a kidney transplant resonated far beyond Wales, demonstrating how sport can restore confidence, forge connections and provide a renewed sense of purpose.
As BWF continues to celebrate World Badminton Day, we revisit another unforgettable chapter in the journey of the 17-year-old World Transplant Games champion.
In recognition of his remarkable recovery and success in badminton, Badminton England invited Morton to the All England in March – a dream come true for the teenager from rural Wales. He arrived in Birmingham with his father Adam expecting to watch the world’s best players compete at the Super 1000 event. What he did not know was that BWF and the hosts had planned a special surprise.
Over the weekend, Morton was given the opportunity to meet athletes he had long admired from afar. What began as a day in the stands quickly became an experience that brought him face to face with his heroes.
“It was incredible,” Morton said after meeting Kunlavut Vitidsarn following the Thai star’s semifinal match. “You watch them on a screen and think they’re quite good. Then you watch them in person and it’s completely different. They play a separate game to you.”
Morton also met reigning Olympic champion An Se Young, currently the sport’s standout star. For the young Welshman, who discovered badminton during recovery from transplant surgery, the chance to speak with players he had only seen on television was almost surreal.
“Being able to actually meet and speak to them and realise they are just human, shows there’s room for growth,” Morton added. “If you dream big enough, you can always achieve it.”
Morton (left) posing with An in the mixed zone.
That mindset has shaped Morton’s own journey. Born with a non-functioning left kidney and reduced function in his right, he eventually required a transplant. His father proved the perfect donor match, giving his son a second chance at life.
Recovery was slow and challenging but a chalk badminton court drawn in the family garden became the starting point for a remarkable transformation. What began as gentle exercise evolved into a passion that helped rebuild his physical and mental wellbeing, ultimately leading to a gold medal at last year’s World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany.
After learning about the teenager’s transplant journey, his World Transplant Games triumph and the determination behind his love for badminton, eventual men’s singles champion Lin Chun-Yi made time to speak with him away from the spotlight after his semifinal win.
Lin warmly embraced Morton, congratulated him on everything he had overcome and presented him with one of his shirts. For Morton, it was far more than a souvenir from one of the world’s best players.
The gesture reflected a shared appreciation for resilience, perseverance and the journey that shapes every athlete.
Lin (right) goes for a big embrace to congratulate Morton.
“I got invited out here and it was already amazing just thinking I was able to watch the matches,” he said. “Then getting to meet some of the players and even talk to them. It’s been incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
Badminton has helped Morton regain his confidence, health and independence, taking him further than he imagined. And judging by the determination that carried him from transplant patient to world champion, his journey is only just beginning.
BWF Newsletter
