Oct 25, 2019
Nicole burst on to the scene in 2015 when she qualified and competed at the 2015 IPC World Para Swimming Championships. Nicole qualified through to 6 finals out of her 6 events as a 13 year old. During Nicole’s 2016 Rio Paralympic Games qualification campaign, Nicole competed at the IPC European Open Championships in Madeira and won two bronze and one silver medal in the S6 50m Butterfly, SM6 200m IM and SB6 100m Breaststroke respectively. She went on to compete at her first Paralympic Games at the age of 14, qualifying through to 5 finals and remarkably finishing 5th in the S6 50m Butterfly. The Allianz European Para Swimming Championships held in Dublin in 2018 was Nicole’s first major competition since Rio and she produced a gutsy final swim to snatch the silver medal from her Ukrainian opposition who had previously medalled in Rio. Nicole remained ranked 2nd in the World until this year’s 2019 London World Para Swimming Championships which saw her produce another massive personal best which earned her bronze on this occasion. She currently trains on the Irish National Sports Campus with the local NAC Swimming Club under Ireland’s most decorated Paralympic Swimmer, coach Dave Malone. Nicole heads towards 2020 as the 3rd fastest ranked S6 50m Butterfly swimmer chasing down her two biggest rivals.
20×20: Questions with Nicole Turner
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
My first memory of sport as a child is being involved in anything and everything such as swimming athletics and team sports.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
I became in involved in sport firstly because I was born with a disability called hypochondroplasia which is a form of dwarfism and my parents didn’t want to treat me any differently so they got me involved in sport just like they did with my brothers.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
I tried swimming and athletics but then when I was about eight years old, I got into a bit of Gaelic football for a while but decided that wasn’t a road I wanted to go down.
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?
I decided to stick to swimming because it was the one I was very good at and the one I mostly enjoyed.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
I would have to say that my parents have had the most impact on my career, from the age of five they have encouraged me to follow my dream taking me to and from the pool every day and most of all telling me my dreams would come true if I put in the effort and now they have.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
My biggest admiration in the world of sport is Ellie Simmonds. I have looked up to Ellie since I started swimming, from watching her compete at the Paralympics in Beijing and London and then finally getting to race against her at the 2016 Paralympic Games. All them years ago I said to myself I wanted to be like her one day and my dream finally became a reality in 2016. I do race against Ellie now but she is still the most inspiring person I see in sport because of how far she has come in her career.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
People think in an athlete’s life when they are not training, they would want to go out all the time but to be honest when I’m not swimming I really like to relax and get my energy levels back up but I would normally hang around with my friends or go out for dinner or go to the cinema.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
The last movie I went to see was actually with the Irish team on our training camp in Dublin preparing for the world championships and that was called “Good Boys” and my favourite movie of all time would have to be Marley & Me, yes it is a sad movie but it would have to be my favourite one.
9. What music do you listen to?
I like any sort of music that is in the charts really or anything that is on the radio. I do like a bit of picture and Lewis Capaldi when I just want to relax and have my own space.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
I am not actually into reading I liked English at school however sitting down reading a book was not something I really enjoyed I just got bored and restless half way through or would forget what was happening in the story when I went to pick it back up again.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
I would follow some sports stars on social media but it would be more from para sport such as Jessica Long and Ellie Simmonds and other para swimmers.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
My favourite meal would have to be a Chinese takeaway but obviously it wouldn’t be in my nutritional plan but if I had a choice and not thinking about my diet my go to meal would be ordering a Chinese takeaway.
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
The person I admire the most in my own sport is my biggest rival but she is one of my best friends even though we race against each other we always have a laugh in the call room and around the pool and she is one of the people I admire the most her name is Ellie Robinson.
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
I’m not one who would listen to music in the call room or anything like that but my normal ritual before my race would obviously be my warm up but right before my race I would swing my arms and do a few jumps and then just before getting on the block I like to call it my little dance of jumping up and down and twisting and turning.
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
No I actually don’t play any other sports as with being a swimmer it means I’m in the pool 14 hours a week and 3 gym sessions on top of that so I don’t really get the time to do any other sports, Sunday is my only day off and all I want to do is relax and catch up with some friends.
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
The advice I would give to young people is whatever dreams they have tell them to keep chasing them and that their dreams do come true one day, maybe not right away but if you keep working hard at something you love you will get the outcome you want at the end of it and don’t let anybody tell you that your dreams or not possible or they will not happen because eventually they will.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
My biggest sporting achievement so far has to be winning my first ever world bronze medal in London of this year (2019). Sport shouldn’t be all about winning medals but this medal meant so much for myself, my family and my coaches.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
I am lucky enough that I have only ever had one injury in my swimming career and that was in 2017 when I tore my groin at a competition in the summer but lucky for me I had so much support during the recovery that it was not a very big year so it didn’t set me back that far, I just had to deal with it and do everything I could and take all the advice about recovering from it as fast as possible. Setbacks are unfortunate in sport but it happens to everyone and you just have to get on with it there in nothing you can do to change something that has already happened so you have to be patient and it will all work out in the end.
19. What do your family make of your success?
My family are extremely proud of me and they play such a big part in my career such as my mam gave up her career just so she could drive me to and from swimming every day, make me my dinner and bring it in the car for me and then at weekends my dad would take over and take me swimming and my brothers are so understanding and considerate of that they just accept they never give out that they don’t see my parents all the time and they will step in and look after themselves.
20. What does sport mean to you?
Sport means everything to me and I can’t stress that enough, I am currently taking a year out of school so that I can prioritize my swimming and not have any other distractions, I have loved sport from such a young age and to finally be winning world and European medals I just want to keep going to eventually win a Paralympic medal. Sport doesn’t last forever so I enjoy every minute of it while I can and I would not be where I am today without my sport. It has brought me so many friendships and so much education about everything around it and it just makes me so happy you do have your bad days but they just make your good days even better.
Oct 23, 2019
Our International 20×20 Women in Sport recognition Award this week is slightly different. It goes to two young Irish women who will not in fact be competing until next year but who epitomise all that is great about the 20×20 Women in Sport initiative which was set up to to promote greater participation by women in sport . At its core was the message ” If she can’t see it she can’t be it” and which drew on the power of role models to inspire women to become more involved in womens sport hopefully by participating ,but equally by supporting ,or in the case of the media by promoting womens sports! This week we would like to recognise two young Irish women who should be an inspiration to everyone as to the power of sport and what you can do if you set your mind to it.
Next year Ireland will welcome over 500 athlete from all over Europe to compete in the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships which are to be held in Dublin 2-9 August 2020. The Championships which are run on a bi-annual cycle were previously held in Ireland in 2010. Next years Championships were launched in Dublin last weekend with the help of two inspirational ambassadors Susan Mulligan and Aoife Farrell both of whom intend competing in next years games. Susan had a kidney transplant just 4 months ago while Aoife has had two heart transplants. Both intend competing most likely in the 5k event.
Truly inspirational young women who are examples to all as to the importance of sport and that fact that it is a truly inclusive part of Irish life.
Oct 21, 2019
The FAI’s mission is to promote, foster and develop the game of Association Football in Ireland. The organisation seeks to enable every Irish person to participate in our game, to allow all involved in the game to reach their full potential and to inspire the nation through international success at the highest level.
The Association gave its initial commitment of support to the 20×20 campaign in 2018 and has since signed up to the ’20×20 Charter’ with the Federation of Irish Sport. In line with the charter and on the continued recognition of heroes, the FAI proudly unveiled two tribute alcoves in FAI HQ to honour former Republic of Ireland women’s internationals Emma Byrne and Olivia O’Toole. They are the first women to be celebrated with their own showcase stands to recognise their fantastic careers.
The FAI continues to push promotion of the sport at all levels, and the recruitment last March of a Communications Executive for Women’s Football is set to propel coverage of women’s football and ensure that more good work gets highlighted.
Oct 18, 2019
Dayna Finn, one of Ireland’s greatest basketball prospects playing midfield for Mayo. Juggling sport and studies is difficult, never mind two sports both at an elite level. And yet, the Mayo dual star, currently studying at NUI Galway, is doing just that, but in two vastly contrasting disciplines.
20×20: Questions – Dayna Finn
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
I have so many childhood memories of sports, my first one was probably playing football in the back garden with my brother and getting rugby tackled every possession.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
My parents are big sports people, they both played for Mayo. They influenced me a lot.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
I tried basketball, football GAA, handball, and swimming. Now I play basketball and football as my two main sports.
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?
Basketball/Football: My passion for the game, the enjoyment and fun I get out of it, meeting friends for life.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
My parents, my coaches and elite sports people.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
Katie Taylor: Her determination, grit, drive and willingness to improve and accomplishments in a sport I wouldn’t be extremely familiar with it is something I admire. Also, the fact that she is Irish makes it even better.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
Outside of sport, I socialise and meet up with friends, go for coffee, I like going on adventures with friends and spending time with family too.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
The last movie I went to see was A Star is Born. My favourite movie of all time is Coach Carter or the Blind Side, I can´t choose.
9. What music do you listen to?
Mainly pop.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so, what are you currently reading?
I read sport articles mainly, I wouldn’t be a big book reader.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
Yes, I follow an endless list some of which are Steph Curry, Katie Taylor, Sabrina Ionescu, and many GAA sports people.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
Haha, my favourite cheat meal or snack would probably be a Nutella crepe.
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
I admire a lot of people but if I was to pick it would probably be Sabrina Ionescu or Diana Taurasi
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
I always pull up my socks just before throw-in
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
I play GAA for Mayo Senior ladies too. The balance is hard, but I prioritise basketball while still having time for both, which Is something I love. I am currently on Erasmus in Valencia, Spain, and I am playing basketball over there.
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
I would encourage all children to try as many sports as possible at a young age. You never know what you like most until you’ve tried it. Don’t give up easily, keep practising and working on your specific skills in your chosen sport and you will enjoy it even more. Practice makes perfect.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
I have a few achievements that I would regard as my biggest ones. At club level with Maree BC, we ran an unbeaten season in 2018/19, winning both league and cup and earning promotion. Winning an Unde 18 silver medal for Ireland in the FIBA European B Championships in Dublin in 2017 and earning promotion to Division A. Also winning a bronze medal and promotion to Division A this year in the FIBA U20 B European Championships in Kosovo.
How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
Positivity is key to an injury. Once you acquire your mental strength and believe that you will get better your half-way there. Next is treatment and rehab and continuously doing your exercises in order to achieve the results. I have had several injuries in the past few years and the hardest part is mental. Of course, physically you hurt, but to overcome it you need to have strong mental strength and patience.
18. What do your family make of your success?
My family are the proudest people on earth. They admire me so much no matter what the result, success or failure they’ll always have my back.
19. What does sport mean to you?
Everything. It’s my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It has helped me to develop greatly as a person and a team player. It gives me a positive mindset, strength and confidence.
I am happiest when playing.
Check out the 20×20 Women in Sport Calendar for upcoming fixtures
https://20×20.ie/event-calendar/
Oct 16, 2019
Our International 20×20 Women in Sport Award this week goes to our own Fionnuala McCormack who ran the Marathon of her life (so far) in Chicago at the weekend. What a performance, coming 5th in the fastest women’s marathon ever run, and in the process knocking almost 4 minutes off her personal best and ensuring her qualification for next year Olympic Games in Tokyo! Her time of 2:26:47 puts her second on the all time Irish women’s marathon list. A really talented athlete Fionnuala began her career as a cross country runner before turning to the track and ultimately to the marathon. As a cross country runner she won back to back European Cross Country Championships in 2011 and 2012.She has represented Ireland at three Olympic Games to date across a number of different events including the 3,000 metres Steeplechase, the 5,000 and 10,000 metres on the track and most recently the Marathon in the 2016 Olympics in Rio where she placed 20th. Her fantastic performance in the Chicago marathon came in a race which was won in a world record time of 2:14:04 by Kenya’s Kosgei. It also took place on a weekend that will forever be remembered in marathon history – the weekend when Eliud Kipchoge broke the 2 hour barrier for the marathon, albeit in a specially arranged and paced event.Congratulations from everyone in sport on a fantastic achievement.
Oct 11, 2019
Sanita Pušpure is a Latvian-born Irish professional rower. She is the reigning world champion in the women’s single scull winning her title at the 2018 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv and defending it at the 2019 World Rowing Championships in Ottensheim. She initially competed for Latvia at a junior level, but she moved to Ireland in 2006 and began competing for her adopted country in 2010, before gaining full Irish nationality in 2011.She was selected as the sole rowing competitor for Ireland at the 2012 Summer Olympics and she qualified for the Women’s single sculls at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
20×20: Questions with Sanita Puspure
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
I used to go skiing outside during the winter beside school and used to watch older kids do their sports class.
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
I was always active as a kid, so getting into sports wasn’t hard. There were a lot of afterschool activities available in school. I used to just sign up for everything I could.
3. What sports did you try as a child?
I tried swimming (as part of PE), athletics, basketball.
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport?
I knew nothing about rowing when I signed up at first. It was the challenge and social side of the sport that kept me in it.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
I was never pushed into anything by my parents, most of the time they wouldn’t know what I’m up to. But I saw my mom work very hard, so that taught me that hard work is the base of everything. And coaches were the ones that pushed and encouraged me.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
We all are amazing! 🙂
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
There isn’t much time left for any other activities. During the winter it’s the struggle to keep on top of lunch, dinner preparations and get enough recovery in. Sometimes while recovering Netflix would my guilty pleasure. Good book wouldn’t go amiss too.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
I haven’t been to cinema with grown-ups for a long time. Last movie I went to was Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
9. What music do you listen to?
Whatever is on the radio or some decent YouTube playlist, and whatever Aifric Keogh (my teammate) has on for the workouts.
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
I do like a good book. Trying to get my hands on the new Aisling book. At the moment reading Kiwi Pair, rowing related book.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
I do indeed. All my teammates of course and some other athletes.
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
I love a good burger with sweet potato chips.
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
We have an awesome group of people training in Cork at the moment. They are nothing short of admiration. I can learn a lot from them every single day.
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
My routine is my ritual. Warm up on the land includes some stretching and activation work. Then I’ll have a chat with my coach 5 min before getting on the water. After that I have a 40 min warm up on the water and then I’m ready to race. I always have an energy get before the race, even if I don’t really need it, so that probably is the ritual !
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
At the moment I would be very careful with other sporting activities mainly to avoid any slightest chances of injury. And to be very honest, I wouldn’t have any energy left after all the fun we have in our sessions as we train 16 times per week.
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
There is sport for everyone, you just have to find the one you like and enjoy it! Being part of a team gives you great sense of belonging.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
Winning World Championships last year (2018) and repeating it this year.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
Not too well. It takes a lot of mental energy to get over setbacks. There is always someone ready to help. I’m lucky enough to be supported by amazing staff at Institute of Sport, when they find out I’m in trouble, they are like little soldiers that line up and are there for me.
19. What do your family make of your success?
Depends on the day and the mood they are in!
20. What does sport mean to you?
I don’t know where I would’ve I been without it. Sport is just my thing.
Check out the 20×20 Women in Sport Calendar for upcoming fixtures
https://20×20.ie/event-calendar/
