Channel 4 10pm ‘Dangerous Jobs for Girls’
Channel 4 were looking to select physically fit women to take men on in the last bastions of male dominated work; those jobs that are still seen as too physical and/ or too dangerous for girls. I applied, was selected and sent out to work with a team of 3 women on a commercial fishing trawler in the South Australian Oceans back in March. After a few days training we went out on the boat with the 5 man crew and brought in the catch every 4-6 hours day and night for 8 days. It was an amazing experience and I reckon we really proved our worth. Tune in to see if you agree…
I’m going out to Beijing as a mentor on the British Olympic Association Olympic Ambition Programme. 50% of medallists and 70% of Gold medallists have been to a previous Olympics so the BOA are taking 5 groups of high potential athletes and coaches to experience the games as preparation for the 2012 Olympics. Each group has an Olympic medallist as a mentor.
BBC Radio 4 ‘Women’s Hour’:
British Women Olympians - Three generations of winners
On a panel with 2 other former female Olympic Medallists; Dorothy Odam who won a silver medal for high jump in the 1936 games in Berlin and again in London in 1948 and Anita Lonborough who won gold in the 200 metres breaststroke in Rome in 1960. We discussed what it’s like to be at the Olympics and how an athlete’s life has changed. Dorothy had an amazing story of going to Berlin as a 16 year old, winning her medal and standing next to Hitler at an Olympic reception.
Eton Rowing Courses
One of my favourite pieces of work all year is working as a rowing coach on the Eton rowing courses. Kids from all over the country come along for a week to learn to row or improve their existing rowing skills. They row up to 3 times a day alongside many other activities and many leave saying they’ve had the best week of their lives. If you are under 18 and want to learn to row or fast forward your rowing progress check out the website for details and photos and apply early (places sell out within days). Bursaries are available to help students who would not otherwise be able to afford the courses and many are not taken up every year so please ask.
Henley Royal Regatta
Not rowing any more but working as part of the communications team and as a commentator on Regatta radio.
12th -13th July 2008
The Corporate Games
Lane4 took a 40+ strong contingent (over half our company) up to the Corporate games to compete in 2 Dragon boats. As a company that specialises in high performance we put our leadership, teamwork and coaching theories into practise, finished 5th and 7th overall and all had a fantastic couple of days getting to know each other out of the office environment.
24th May 2008
5 Dales 100 Cyclosportive
This was only my second ever cycling event in some of the most challenging and beautiful cycling terrain in Britain. I loved it despite the 1 in 3 gradient climbs and the raging head wind all the way home. Only 6 women finished the 100 mile course, my sister and I were 2 of them and I was first women back in 7hrs 7mins. At only £15 for a ride that includes on-route refreshments, chip timing and free post-race meal I reckon this is one of the best value sporting events in Britain. To enter for next years race keep an eye on the Richmond Cycle club web page:
The Paris Marathon
I set my self the goal of taking 10 minutes off my personal best time and finishing in under 3 ½ hours. The route was took us right through the heart of Paris past all the sights. Despite being just about on my knees for the last 10km I finished in a time of 3hrs 29mins 12secs and was completely elated. There’s life in the old girl yet. Having done both I’d definitely recommend this over the London marathon and it’s also easier to get an entry. See the web site for details and photos:
http://www.parismarathon.com/
February / March 2008
Filming for Channel 4’s ‘Dangerous Jobs for Girls’...
