Local Clallam County District II Court Judge John Doherty, who oversees the Forks court, captured gold medals in the 2013 Olympic Peninsula Senior Games in badminton men’s singles and doubles on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Port Angeles High School venue.

Doherty, who for over a decade was coached by the renowned Vern Burton (for whom the Port Angeles Community Center is named) went undefeated through the age 65 and over singles competition without surrendering a game. He was a was nationally ranked competitor in the 1960s.

He teamed with Port Angeles machinist Steve Frick in the age 55 and over bracket to claim men’s doubles gold.

“Folks perceive badminton to be a backyard picnic pastime,” said Doherty. “That perception is lost when they view YouTube and similar video and see shuttles leaving a competitor’s racquet at over 150 mph.”

Doherty has been a lawyer and judge in Clallam County since 1976 and resides in Beaver.