My main role is to ensure that the hard work of the Insight and Innovation team is shared with the sport and fitness sector and beyond. Supporting and learning from those who deliver sport and fitness opportunities to women and girls is also a core element of my work. In a nut shell, I help sports deliverers understand what works for women and girls.
What has your career involved before WSFF?
Despite an academic background in economics and politics, my passion for sport has led my career in the sport and leisure sector. I began as a sports coach in school and university holidays, and then worked for a local authority leisure services team to support my own competitive aspirations in athletics. In preparation for the 2002 Commonwealth Games I relocated to Birmingham to work with one of the UK's top athletics coaches. Despite injury problems (meaning I did not qualify for the team), it did lead to a position with UK Athletics and 5 years of valuable experience working for an NGB.
If you could change 1 thing to have a positive impact on women and girls' activity levels, what would it be?
I would love to have sportswomen seen as genuine role models for future generations of girls and women.
How does being active make you feel?
Being fit and active helps me feel confident, happy and alive. Plus running on a track or a gym workout gives me some much needed ‘me time’. Fitness has been a part of me my whole life. It is what defines me. I never stop doing exercise – unless I’m injured.
Favourite sport or physical activity
Obviously I love athletics, but I'll pretty much try, or watch any activity that doesn't involve heights.
Most memorable sporting moment
Watching my then training partner, and friend, Ashia Hansen win the Triple Jump at the 2003 Indoor World Championships in Birmingham. Knowing everything that she had gone through to make that dream a possibility made the moment all the more special and I don't mind admitting that I shed a tear or two!
Also meeting my now husband when competing for the England Athletics team at event in Dublin. Pretty memorable!
Who do you admire and why?
I admire my old training partner, Ashia Hansen, for her ability to overcome adversity.
