non-fiction writer badminton player
Whetnall was noted for his shot-making accuracy and tactical astuteness. Shortly after this, his tournament career suffered a 2½ year hiatus due to a badminton pro-tour venture which folded in 1973. Whetnall represented England in Thomas Cup (men"s international team) competition in the 1969–1970 and 1975–1976 campaigns.
He coached badminton in Kent for many years.
In his most successful season, 1975–1976, Whetnall won the open men"s singles crowns of South Africa, Scotland, Germany, and the United States of America, as well as his third and last English National singles title. In 1970 Whetnall was a men"s singles runner-up in the quadrennial British Commonwealth Games, losing a close final to Canada"s Jamie Paulson.
