The 36-year-old, who also won gold at the 2006 World Championships, 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the 2004 and 2006 European Championships, will now use her experience to help develop England's female doubles and young mixed doubles athletes.

"When I look back at my career and how important coaches were to me, I really want to give something back -- and to mixed doubles in particular," said Emms, who retired from professional competition after the Beijing 2008 Olympics before becoming Badminton England's first official ambassador.

"I want to just try to help with my experience and the things I've learned in my playing career and try to mentor our young players.

"I'm here to work alongside the great coaches we have at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes and give a little bit of input."

Emms' appointment comes at a time when badminton in Britain is undergoing a period of development and follows the sport's cut in funding, which saw it awarded £5.9 million ($9.2 million/€6.9 million) to prepare for Rio 2016 as opposed to the £7.4 million ($11.5 million/€8.8 million) it was given for the London 2012 cycle.

Gail Emms will be based at Badminton England's headquarters in Milton Keynes

But with an Olympic medallist now onboard the nation can work toward claiming a podium spot at the next Summer Games in Brazil in three years' time.

Britain and England's badminton performance director Jens Grill said the national governing is "delighted to be able to draw on Emms' experience".

"Everyone knows she has played badminton with great success at the highest possible level in both mixed and women's doubles and is someone our young players can look up to and learn from," he added.

"It is a great opportunity for them.

"We have engaged Gail on a short-term contract initially and her role will be to assist and support the national coaches and to share her experiences as a top player and instil in the younger squad members what it takes to get to the top."

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