Inspiring Evening As Pupils Quiz Sportswomen

Yesterday evening, Kingswood welcomed three sportswomen for a question and answer session which was hosted by former Bath and England rugby player David Flatman.

World Cup-winning cricketer Anya Shrubsole, England and Bristol rugby star Izzy Noel-Smith and triathlete Polly Hendy were quizzed by a full audience in the Theatre.

The sportswomen were asked about how their careers started, the biggest moments of their careers, life as a sportswoman and their futures.

When asked about her role models as a child, Anya Shrubsole, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen's 2018 New Year's Honours List, said: "When I was growing up, a lot of role models were male but now I hope that because of the success of women's sport, girls have more women to look up to."

The stars were also quizzed about how they deal with pressure at big moments.

Izzy Noel-Smith, who played in England's Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand last year, said: "Positive affirmation helps me deal with pressure. Telling myself positive things helps give me confidence in difficult moments."

Responding to the same question, Polly Hendy commented: "I think it's good to stay in the moment. Don't get caught up on the past or the future. Just stay in the moment and what you are doing now."

The trio were also asked about the sacrifices they have made during their careers to achieve the success that they have.

Polly responded: "Making sacrifices may be difficult but sport gives me so much enjoyment and has given me some of the best friends all over the world. It's important to stay in the moment, and not worry about the past or the future."

Along with host David Flatman, the panel also discussed the importance of losing in becoming a better sportsperson.

He said: "You can't underestimate the importance of losing. You learn more about yourself when you lose than when you win."

Anya Shrubsole said: "Losing every now and then is healthy and is important to improving yourself."

The trio were overwhelmed with the quality and the quantity of questions, and the pupils left inspired by the insightful and honesty of the sportswomen in their answers.