Readers’ Lives: Susan Tooke

Agency owner Susan Tooke started playing badminton again four years ago after a gap of 23 years. Before she knew it she was competing in the world championships. Here she explains how she balances running the business and practising her sport

My mum and dad used to play badminton for the post office where they worked so from the age of 10 they put us on coaching courses. I used to play for Hampshire and played my first singles game at the age of 13. My brother played for England from his teens and did so for 10 to 15 years. He now coaches, and so does his son.

I worked for Hogg Robinson for four years, first as a secretary and then as travel consultant. I thought ‘I could do this', so I decided to set up on my own. I remember my boss kept my job open for me. I think he was convinced it would not work out! I did have sleepless nights about whether it was the right thing to do. I opened in Emsworth, in the shop we are in now. At one time we had four shops but I went back to just the one. It wasn't worth all the extra work! Most of our customers are loyal because my family has traded in Emsworth for more than 200 years. My uncle has a greengrocer in Emsworth which my cousin now runs, and my granddad used to own a local dairy.

When I met my husband and got married, we had children quite early on: I had four travel agency shops and two children under four – I didn't have time for badminton. Then six years ago I had a prolapsed disk and ended up having a back operation. While recuperating, I felt strong enough to play again. It's a good way to relax and unwind from work. I was soon on the list to play for Hampshire.

I started playing in Badminton England tournaments to get a national ranking after one of my fellow players suggested it. I got ranked number three in the country for the over-50s and number 14 for the doubles. I was invited to apply for this year's BWF World Senior Championships in Sweden – and in June I was accepted to play in the singles games.

I was quite excited and then I began to get nervous. Leading up to it my back went into spasm and I had to give up for two to three weeks, and I lost half a stone because of nerves. I only got to play one game as I got knocked out [Susan lost to Russian player Liudmila Postnova, pictured]. If I had not been so nervous I might have won but I made mistakes and lost 21-10 and 21-11. But I don't regret it. If I get into the European Championships next year I won't feel half as nervous!

I make the time to play even when I feel stressed as I always feel better for it.

1. Take up a hobby to help keep stress levels in check
2. Manage your time carefully.
3. Stay in tune with what customers want.

set up Emsworth Travel. Set up other branches in Cowplain (1987-1992), Wittering (1987-1997) and Chichester (1999-2000)

secretary and then travel consultant, Hogg Robinson, Waterlooville and Havant branches