20×20 Questions with Stephanie Meadow
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
Hitting balls with my dad at Ballyearl driving range when I was probably 5 or 6 years old.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
My dad was a golfer and brought me along. I immediately become hooked and starting playing with him.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
Hockey, horse-riding, golf and swimming.
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?
I loved it more than the other sports. I actually fell off the horse and realised that golf was really what I wanted to do. Ever since then I had my heart set on turning pro and making it my career.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
My parents. They sacrificed so much for me while I was growing up and I know I would be nowhere near where I am today without them.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
Annika Sorenstam. She is by far the greatest LPGA golfer of all time. I admire her determination, grit and fire.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
Cook, spinning, hang out with my family and friends. We travel so much with our sport that when we our home we really just enjoy doing normal things. Being in your house, going to grocery store, having a family dinner. For a lot of people these are normal but not for us as we travel 30 + weeks a year.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
The last movie I saw was a long time ago. I actually watch a lot of my movies on the plane. I love Sandra Bullock so really any movie with her in it is great!
9. What music do you listen to?
A little bit of everything depending on what I’m doing. Anything from Hip Hop to electronic to old school.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
I read a little bit when I travel but not a whole lot. I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
I follow lots of other sports stars. I admire anyone who has the work ethic and talent to be at the top of their sport. Lindsey Vonn, Serena Williams and loads of others.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
Any kind of Pasta and a really good chocolate desert!
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
Annika Sorenstam
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
I always use one of three balls markers and always mark my ball with a pink clover.
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
Not really
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
Sport is an unbelievably powerful thing and you don’t have to be the best to reap the rewards. No matter what sport you choose it will teach you so many things. You learn discipline, respect, confidence, time-management, failure, success, teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Sport is about so much more than “being good at it”. Give it a go and make friends while your at it.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
Representing Ireland at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. There is nothing quite like representing your country at the highest level.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
Injuries and set backs are inevitable in sport. You have to set out a plan and drive forward to overcome the obstacles. I think that understanding that things might not turn around right away is key. Anything worth working for takes time and we have to remember that.
19. What do your family make of your success?
I know they are very proud of me but I’m still just Steph (one of the fam)
20. What does sport mean to you?
Everything. Like I said before it has taught me so many things, given me so many friends and allowed me to see so many places.