Childhood ambition: when I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be _______
A worldclass athlete.  The lure of the WTA was pretty strong at one point, I loved tennis, but it is squash that has always been my first passion. I always imagined that I would go to university and have an academic professional career too, but until I stop chasing squash balls, other things can wait.

Best advice you received early in your pro squash career? 
My mother once told me when I was about 15 and I was paralyzed with nerves brought on by expectations and performance pressure, that I was going to either win or lose...so why didn't I just get on and enjoy the game! That resonated with me, got things in perspective and put an end to the nerves. She also left a little note on my bed one time that said, "win with grace, lose with dignity but above all enjoy the game."  Smart lady my mum...and I try my best to always remember how lucky I am to do what I do and how much I love to play.

Three words your close friends would use to describe you
Happy, Strong, Positive

If it wasn't ______________ I would never have attained my current level of squash success.
My parent's and brother Keith's love and support. 
Jenny Tranfield, my great friend has seen me through so many tough and fun times as have so many other friends and family of mine. There are so many people that have worked with and supported me throughout my junior and senior career that have made such a difference to me, Richard O´Connor, Michael Puertas (always managed to get me on court in my darkest moments and bring a smile to my face!), Brian O´Hora (always was there for me.) The list is endless...my great friends in South Africa are always behind me too, they know who they are.   

If I had more time & money I would ______________
Fly first class around the world...at every destination I would hire a different sports car and wind my way to every spectacular vinyard I could...wine is the elixir of life! So is speed and beautiful surroundings! Did I forget Foie Gras?!!!

If you could play another sport professionally, what would it be?
Golf or Tennis...but being a downhill skier must be a huge thrill!

If you could spend one day with anybody or group (celebrity, world figure, sports team, etc) alive or dead, who would it be? 
I would love to meet Eddie Izzard, the comedian, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong. I love history and art too, and there are so many wonderful characters from the past that I would love to meet.

Favourite superhero or character in a book/movie?
I'm a huge action movie girl and love Kianu Reeves in the Matrix, Demi Moore in G.I Jane (girl power!) but I do love Bill Murray in Caddy Shack!   

Pet peeves?  
Soaking wet bath mat!  Things that bother you?  Not being able to walk properly in the morning!!

Sporting event you would most like to attend?
Ryder Cup and the Stanley Cup finals. French Open too.

Favourite:
   Athlete: Roger Federer...could watch him all day.
   Music: No favourites, lots of stuff.
   Movies: Too hard, have lots but most Action Thrillers. The Bourne Trilogy is awesome! 
   Book: Was Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet, but I love other books by Alexander McAll Smith who writes about the No.1 Ladies´ Detective Agency.
   Food: Foie Gras, high end mac and cheese and chocolate mousse!
   Board or card game: Pictionary, black jack, gin rummy, asshole!
   Offseason Activities: Golf, tennis, concerts, all sorts!
   Sports – You Play: Golf, Tennis, table tennis, anything with a ball.
   Sports – You Watch: Rugby, cricket, tennis, and bits of American Football, ice hockey, basketball, golf, altheltics...lots of stuff.
   Quote, Mantra: Smile Every Day!
   Dream car: Porsche 911 Turbo
   Dream vacation destination: Italy
   Dream date: secret!

Which do you prefer:
   TV, movies or video games? movies
   PC or Mac? Mac
   Opera, Ballet or Theatre? Ballet
   Coke, Pepsi, other? Coke
   Coffee or Tea? Both
   James Bond or Jason Bourne? ooooh, tough one! Jason Bourne
   Beach or Snow? Beach

What is your guilty pleasure, reward, recreation?
Gotta be my favourite wine and food!

When I travel, the things I miss the most:
friends/family, cats, local spots

When I pack my bags for a tournament, I make absolutely sure I don't forget:
my passport, phone, credit cards, then I can go anywhere in the world!

How do you fill time at hotels, airports? 
Reading newspapers/books, people watching, hanging out at the pool or chatting to people over meals. Sometimes I do some work, internet.

Do you have any squash superstitions, good luck charms or pre-match routines?
Not really, but I do go through my outfit before I play to make sure I havn´t forgotten anything...when I was younger I went through a phase of forgetting my skirt!

Best thing you have gotten for free?
Curtains at home! They took too long and eventually gave them for free!

What would be on the menu if you could choose your last meal on Earth?
Foie Gras, Kobe Beef steak, french fries well done with mayo, and chocolate mouse or carrot cake. And a bottle of high end napa cab to wash it all down!

Passions, talents or interests people would be surprised to learn you have?
Think I´ve covered a whole lot already!

If I won $100,000 USD in a lottery I would ...
invest it!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
my feet.

Comments (0)