Marcus Ellis (left), and Chris Langridge, (right), won the Denmark Open in Oct 2020.Olympic medallists Chris Langridge, Marcus Ellis and others claim that the Badminton England setup is hostile and players are afraid to voice their concerns.They were the bronze medalists in men's doubles at Rio 2016. However, they were not selected for Tokyo 2020.Lauren Smith and Ellis will be competing in mixed doubles. Ellis described their Olympic preparations to be "garbage" due to the fallout.Langridge stated that he feels the governing body has "stabbed them in the back".Langridge, 36, stated that Chris and himself were treated like dirt."We are the Olympic bronze medallists. The reigning European Games champions and Commonwealth champions are ranked higher than Lane and Vendy, and we have not received any verbal communication from Badminton England regarding the selection."Ellis, 31, said that "all the athletes prepping to the Olympics are now living in this hostile, tepid climate where half of us cannot even communicate with each other because the waters have become so muddy."GB Badminton released a statement saying that it regretted the decision to select them for this position."We are especially concerned about comments regarding their wellbeing. The wellbeing of our athletes remains of paramount importance. We will work with them as a matter-of-priority to address these concerns."Langridge and Ellis won an appeal against the Olympic exclusion. An independent panel ruled that Badminton England had complied with the selection policy. The line-up was then ratified late last month by the British Olympic Association (BOA).BBC Sport understands that, despite Langridge's high-profile accomplishments, Lane, 23 and Vendy 25, were awarded the spot based on the selection panel’s opinion that they had shown greater consistency over two years and have better long term potential as a duo after Tokyo 2020."In terms of selection, we have gone through a very rigorous process and have tried to adhere rigidly at all times to the published selection criteria," GB Badminton stated.Ellis stated that there isn't enough support for players.Three-time Commonwealth medallist, he told BBC Sport that he didn't speak up before because of the treatment others received after they voiced their concerns."I feel so angry for Chris, after all he has done for badminton, how can he not be given even a 'how is it going? Can we help in any way?'?" He said."It has happened repeatedly where I've seen so much talent come through and then leave with a bitter view of the badminton system in Milton Keynes."The support system must be available for everyone. It's not, and it's detrimental for their [players] mental health.""Players have lost the voice"Ellis' partner Smith posted her own harsh remarks on the governing body last week via social media. She stated that "players have lost voice under a domineering coach centred system".Langridge stated that he struggled to accept his decision after having "sacrificed his time" with his twin girls, four years old, in pursuit of his Olympic dream."Other players have spoken out over the past few weeks about the unsupportive and toxic environment at the centre. He said that he too felt saddened by the organisation and had been disappointed."If an athlete is having an issue and would like to discuss it in private with an authority figure, they should be able do so without any further delay.""That doesn't happen, and it's certainly not professional."GB Badminton told BBC that it was "concerned" by the issues raised, but "disappointed” by comments made on social media by former and current athletes.A statement said that "Engaging with our participants on a regular basis is crucial to the development and culture of the World Class Programme.""If Lauren [Smith] or any other player feels they can't speak openly or honestly, we will immediately investigate.""How can we perform at our best Tokyo?"Although Ellis and Smith are considered strong contenders for mixed doubles medals at the Tokyo Olympics, the pair are not optimistic about their prospects following a near-total breakdown in their relationship with some of the sport's management and coaches, as well as their relationships with some players.Ellis states that Ellis is angry at half of the coaches and managers in his relationships."How are we supposed to go to the Olympics and perform at our best?" "In the short-term, I don't believe there is anything we could do before Tokyo. But something must change moving forward."GB Badminton responded that they continue to engage players and are doing everything we can to prepare them to play in the Games. This is our absolute priority right now."GB Badminton stated that it requested UK Sport to conduct a culture health check on the organization after the Games. This would allow all stakeholders, including athletes, to provide feedback about their experiences with the programme.
