In our Lent term Sports newsletter, we highlighted the success of Cici and Gigi (Year 11)
Cici has represented U17 GB in Pentathlon and is looking forward to accelerating her fencing progressions in the future training in the U17 England squad. She has represented the school in hockey, cross country and athletics whilst managing her extensive training schedule. Read her answers to our questions below:
What was your favourite sport/activity in prep school?
Although I already loved running and swimming, I hadn’t yet discovered Pentathlon, so I think in primary school what really stood out for me was the team sports, especially hockey.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
My role model is Kathrine Switzer, who ran the Boston Marathon in 1967 despite there being no other women to enter the race. She was blocked and officials tried to pull her off the course, but she persevered, becoming not just the first woman to ever complete it officially, but a symbol for women breaking boundaries in sport. This year she ran it again, wearing the same bib number.
Do you get nervous before big events and how do you deal with that?
I get extremely nervous before events, often convincing myself I’m not ready to compete, or that I’ve trained inadequately. Over my eight years of competing, I don’t think there has been a competition which hasn’t come with a few nerves, but I now know that about myself, which helps me to prepare for the feeling. For beforehand, I bring my sewing kit to keep my mind and hands occupied, and if something goes wrong mid-competition, I try box breathing and other grounding techniques.
How does playing sport make you feel?
Sport has always been very liberating for me, especially my individual sports as I really like that I have some time for reflection whilst also concentrating on the task at hand. Some days it is really hard to get up and train, but I always feel satisfied afterwards.
Where are you hoping to go to university and what will you study?
I am exploring options of universities in America, but still have a lot of research to do about it! I’d love to study a language course crossed with philosophy.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Hopefully fit, still enjoying sport, laying down new PBs and studying somewhere nice.
What has been your greatest sporting achievement so far?
Last year, I competed in the World Championships in South Africa, and finished 20th! It was a real highlight of my season and sporting career so far.
What has been your most enjoyable sporting moment during your time as a Helkat?
I really enjoyed the swimming relays opportunities, as it gave me the opportunity to use the strengths I have in individual sports as part of a team. A highlight of this was progressing to the National Finals of the ESSA swimming competition.
Gigi has recently been selected for the U20 Wales lacrosse squad for this summer’s Home internationals. Heavily involved in all sports since Year 7, lacrosse has won her heart! She currently plays lacrosse for the SHSK 1sts, Oxford City lacrosse.
Read her answers below:
What was your favourite sport/activity in prep school?
In primary school, I loved playing lots of sports but especially liked netball, riding and hockey and only properly started lacrosse in Year 7 at SHSK.
Who is your favourite role model and why?
My greatest role models would be my siblings, as they also play lacrosse to a high level and their achievements and dedication inspire me to improve further. Their encouragement helps me to develop and playing lacrosse with them is a huge highlight for me.
Do you get nervous before big events and how do you deal with that?
Before matches or big events I definitely get nervous, sometimes more than is helpful. I try and view a certain amount of nerves as useful and try to focus on channelling them to help me instead of letting them distract me or take away from my performance. I am focusing on trusting myself to perform instead of letting nerves affect me.
How does playing sport make you feel?
When I play sport, I particularly enjoy the team aspect of the game as I feel connected as a team and supported and able to rely on my teammates.
Where are you hoping to go to university and what will you study?
I would love to go to Durham University, to hopefully study law or music and continue playing lacrosse.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years I hope to be at university, playing lacrosse to a high level and hopefully representing Wales.
What has been your greatest sporting achievement so far?
I would say being picked for the Wales U20 squad for the Home Internationals was a huge achievement for me as it was something I have been working towards for a long time and has been a big goal for me.
What has been your most enjoyable sporting moment during your time as a Helkat?
I’ve had many enjoyable sporting moments at Helkats over the years, with my most enjoyable being winning South West Rally and coming third in Nationals, both with the U13 team in Year 8. South West Rally was a huge highlight of the season and a really fun experience for everyone as we took part and were successful in our first big lacrosse tournament, it was such a great day for the whole team involved and none of us can forget our first Nationals!
