On Wednesday 28th September Newcastle High School for Girls hosted the Girls Go Gold event to inspire and inform Year 10-13 athletes, sports enthusiasts and students interested in a sports-related career. Hanna Reid (Sunderland Academy and county footballer) and Sian Martin (national swimmer) were the two representatives from St Mary’s chosen because of their incredible achievements and dedication in their sporting fields.
With the Rio Olympics still fresh in everyone’s minds, this event had two Olympic medallists and a Paralympian as keynote speakers; Alex Danson (2016 Olympic gold medallist in hockey) Amy Tinkler (2016 Olympic Gymnastics Bronze medallist) and Dame Sarah Storey (multiple gold medal winner at the Rio Paralympics). They each discussed the challenges they have faced in their careers, the strategies they used to overcome them and the opportunities that are available to them as athletes. Former British No. 1 tennis player Annabel Croft compered the whole event.
Throughout the day the girls took part in a variety of useful workshops designed to inspire them which ranged from psychology & mental toughness, talent ID & transference, strength & conditioning and foam rolling. The girls were informed about the many different careers that are on offer in sport through higher education workshops and stalls which highlighted the range of courses and careers available. The final part of the day involved a practical basketball session with former Olympians which was a fantastic opportunity for the girls.
Hanna Reid:
“Because I compete in high level football, I found today extremely interesting and relevant, particularly the different avenues and opportunities available for a career in sport and also how to manage physical pain in sport through the use of foam rolling”.
Sian Martin:
“I was very inspired by Alex Danson. She has motivated me to work harder to achieve my goal of competing in the next Olympic games. I found the talent identification and transference lecture interesting because I learned about the different skills I have gained through my experiences and training in swimming which can be transferred to other sports”.
Overall, this was a truly enjoyable event. I hope both Hanna and Sian are enthused to go on to achieve great things in sport in whatever capacity they choose.
Miss Hillon
