It is an interesting partnership which has stood the test of time but this summer's Olympics in Beijing is likely to see the break-up of Great Britain's Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson.

The pair have been together for the best part of 14 years, having separated only when Emms went to university before quickly reuniting.

That is longer than the average British marriage, and like the state of matrimony, their partnership has been through its fair share of ups and downs.

The high - certainly the one which brought them to the attention of the majority of the British public who do not follow badminton - was their silver medal in the mixed doubles at the Athens Olympics four years ago, Britain's best performance in the sport since it was introduced to the Games programme in 1992.

They may argue it was becoming world champions two years later in Madrid, but interestingly, both claim their biggest disappointment was not winning gold in Athens.

Fortunately for them, they have one last chance to rectify that in China before Emms, who will be 31, calls time on her international career.

While it would be cruel to label them as an odd couple there is more than a nod to the adage that opposites attract.

Robertson is 6ft 2ins tall and describes himself as being "very easy-going, friendly off-court, but not on". The 5ft 3ins Emms, meanwhile, is a "blonde, bubbly, out-going drama queen".

But whatever the differences in appearance and personality, the chemistry undoubtedly works on court - as their record together shows. Along with that Olympic silver and world title, they have also claimed two Commonwealth golds (2002 & 2006).

It is Olympic gold which they crave the most, however.

"I want to achieve gold in Beijing but I also just want us to go out there and play well because I know when we play well we can beat anyone," said Emms, who suffered a bout of suspected viral meningitis in January which knocked her sideways for a month.

The pair's world ranking has slipped to sixth but that does not present a problem for Hitchin-born Emms, who believes they can draw on their Athens experience despite losing to Chinese pair Zhang Jun and Gao Ling in front of a partisan crowd full of Great Britain supporters.

"To get a silver in our sport you finish on a loss, whereas if you get a bronze you finish on a win, so there will always be the feeling of leaving on a defeat," she said.

"We made a pact to each other straight afterwards that we're going for gold in Beijing.

"Nobody will want to play us. I know that for a fact. They will look at the draw and if they have got us they will be scared.

"We've definitely learnt from Athens and we have a lot more experience. We know what it's like - been there, done that.

"Of course there are high expectations, but there are on a whole number of Olympic athletes and all I know is that when Nathan and I play our best we can be the best in the world."

There are three Chinese pairs currently in the world's top five and playing in front of huge crowds is something Emms is looking forward to.

"It will be huge. It's one of their top sports and whenever we've gone there the crowds have been really enthusiastic - they love their badminton," she added.

"I read that 75 million people in China watched the Athens final on television. That will add to the pressure on their players - some will be up for it, some will buckle, so hopefully when they face us they will buckle!"

Robertson has had injury problems of his own after undergoing surgery on an ankle earlier this year but is now fully recovered.

"The rehabilitation has been going well, I am back playing and I will definitely be fit for the Olympics," said the 31-year-old.

"I had to keep training through the injury as our Olympic qualification period ran for 12 months from May 2006 to May 2007."But I wanted to sort it out before the Games so that I can be 100% fit going to Beijing.

"Gail and I want to be on top of the podium and we couldn't do that if I was only 90% fit."

Emms added: "A brilliant surgeon cleared out his ankle and Nathan was walking in two days - so all is looking good."

Robertson has hopes of competing at the 2012 Games in London but for Emms it will be a watching brief, although she is not quite prepared to leave her long-time playing partner to his own devices.

"Maybe come London in 2012 I'll be counselling his new partner: 'Don't worry - it's just Nathan. He'll be fine'," she said.