What Inspired You to Stay Involved in Sport as a Young Athlete?
My family and my love for the sport have always been my biggest inspirations to stay involved in athletics. Growing up, my family was always supportive of fitness—whether it was a walk or a jog around the St. Laurence O’Toole track, they were always there, embodying a healthy lifestyle. But when I dig a little deeper, I realise that it was my brother who truly kept me involved. I was always following in his footsteps. He played basketball, and I followed. He ran track, and I followed. There came a point when he stopped, and that’s when I had to make a decision for myself. I had to ask myself, “Is sport what I truly want?” It was a moment of self-reflection, where I realised that my journey wasn’t about following my brother anymore—it was about understanding my own passion, my own goals, and what I wanted to achieve. It was a turning point that helped me define my own path, independent of anyone else’s choices. And in that moment, I made the decision to keep going, for me.
What I’ve come to understand is that having a strong support system is just as important as having a passion for the sport. It’s that encouragement, the sense of community, and the shared love for what we do that truly fuels the journey.
What Challenges Do Teenage Girls Face in Continuing Sport, and How Can We Overcome Them?
Teenage girls face a variety of challenges when it comes to staying in sport, many of which aren’t always openly discussed. From my own experience growing up as a teenage girl in athletics, one of the biggest hurdles was the lack of open conversation about periods and how they can impact training. There was little understanding of how to manage physical training and cope with mood swings during menstruation. It often makes staying committed to the sport more difficult, especially when your body feels like it’s working against you.
Another challenge is the social aspect of sports. Athletics, being an individual sport, can sometimes make forming strong friendships with other girls harder. There’s a lot of pressure to focus solely on your own performance, which can make it tough to connect with others on a deeper level.
To overcome these challenges, it’s important to open up the conversation about periods and how they affect athletic performance. Education is key—teaching young girls about how to manage their cycle, adjusting training schedules to match their bodies, and understanding that mood swings are a natural part of growing up can make a huge difference. In addition, fostering a supportive environment where athletes can bond and share experiences can help build friendships and a sense of community. Encouraging teamwork and creating a culture of inclusivity can bridge the gap and make it easier to form lasting connections, even in individual sports.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Being Active, and How Has Sport Benefited You?
What I enjoy most about being active isn’t necessarily the idea of winning—though that’s always a great feeling—but rather the energy, the atmosphere, and the sense of community that surrounds the sport. It’s the friendships made along the way, the support from teammates and coaches, and the excitement that fills the air during every competition. That’s what drew me in so deeply to athletics. It’s not just the races or the goals, but the experience as a whole.
Athletics has become my safe place. It’s where I go to decompress, to clear my mind, and to just feel at peace. The rhythm of training, the focus of competition, and the shared moments with others in the sport help me feel grounded and relaxed. The benefits go beyond physical strength—they’ve shaped my mindset, my discipline, and have given me a sense of belonging that I cherish.
What Advice Would You Give to Young Girls Who Might Be Thinking About Giving Up on Sport?
My advice would be simple: you have one life. It’s better to live a life of fulfilment than one filled with regret, constantly wishing you had done things differently. Find your support system and discover your “why”—why you’re here, and why you love this sport. Once you understand your “why,” commit to living it out fully.
It won’t always be easy. There will be days when the track—or wherever you train—feels tough, and motivation might be low. But it’s on those days, when you push through, that growth happens. The discipline to keep going, even when you don’t feel like it, is what makes all the difference. It’s the 1%—that one day you choose to train even when it feels hard—that separates the good from the great. So, embrace the challenges, trust your journey, and know that every step forward is a step toward your own fulfilment.