Badminton Player Who Took Period Break Mid-Game Gets Her Penalty Cancelled

Scottish badminton star Kirsty Gilmour received a yellow card after taking more than two minutes in a bathroom break to manage an unexpected early period. This incident happened during a challenging match against world number one An Se Young at the YONEX All England Open, sparking conversations about the need for a greater understanding of female athletes' health needs in the sports community.

In an interview with STV News Gilmour explained, "I did everything as quickly as possible. I couldn't change my shorts or anything." However, despite her quick return, she was penalised for exceeding the two-minute limit for bathroom breaks, receiving a yellow card for delaying play.

Gilmour expressed her frustration, noting she wasn't given a clear choice: "I wasn't given the choice of 'if you leave, you will get a yellow card; if you stay, you essentially bleed on the court, but you won't get a yellow card.' It wasn't explained to me." 

Here's a look at the interview:

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BWF's Response:

After the match, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) reviewed the incident and decided to reprieve Gilmour's yellow card. BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund acknowledged the misapplication of rules, further explaining that the delay was due to the umpire's hesitation in granting permission for a break, leading to a wrongful penalty. 

While Gilmour appreciated BWF's decision to overturn the penalty, she emphasised that there is a broader issue at hand. She hopes this incident serves as a catalyst for implementing new protocols in badminton and other sports to better accommodate athletes dealing with menstruation. 

Gilmour stated, "I also hope that it can open up some conversations on empathy, understanding, and knowledge about the challenges period-having-people face every day in high performance and recreational sports." 

This situation highlights the importance of sports organizations recognizing and addressing the unique challenges female athletes encounter. By fostering open discussions and revising protocols, the sporting community can move towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes.