Born in Sudbury in 1945, John Gilbert has made a considerable contribution to the sport of badminton, specifically as a coach at various levels of competition in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, and internationally. Throughout his career, he contributed to the development of nearly 100 champions, and was the national head coach for the Thomas Cup (Men’s World Team Championships), in 1979, 1982, and Gilbert resided in Oakville for approximately 20 years, during which he developed an exceptional and unparalleled badminton program at the Oakville Club. Under his coaching expertise, the Oakville Club produced 19 Provincial junior champions (under 14), 23 Provincial junior champions (under 16), 17 Provincial junior champions (under 18), 10 Provincial champions, 6 Canadian Junior champions, and 7 Canadian and 4 Commonwealth champions.
In addition to training hundreds of players in Oakville, Gilbert has helped to develop the skills of many of today’s coaches—both in Oakville and across Ontario and Canada. He has also provided direct assistance and advice to others in the building of their own programs.
Gilbert has achieved the highest coaching certifications, and has conducted numerous sessions for certifying coaches at all levels. In addition, he has published several articles on men’s and mixed doubles strategies for developing international-calibre players.
To honour his significant contribution toward the development of the sport of badminton, and for the positive impact he has had on hundreds of players, Gilbert has been granted a life membership to the Oakville Club, and has been inducted as a coach into the Canadian Badminton Hall of Fame.
