Yesterday saw the end of probably the hardest working week I’ve had in lockdown, but what better way to round off a tough few days than by ticking off another of my challenges to raise mental health awareness?
No.121 on the list (but the 120th to be completed) was to have a video chat with someone I haven’t met before, one of the ones that was added due to the restrictions imposed by lockdown.
I have to say, there are an awful lot of people I haven’t met before; but only a handful are friends on social media. One of those is Emily Gulvin, a young lady who I’ve seen play netball (irritatingly well) for her club side Turnford against Grangetown, and for Surrey Storm in Super League, but until yesterday, we had never spoken.
Well thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we were able to chat about all things netball and mental health for over an hour and I’m delighted to say Emily stayed awake throughout! I always enjoy listening to an elite athlete talking about their particular sport, telling their own story, the best players they’ve played with and against, and what they’ve overcome to excel in their chosen sport.
As someone who has only ever been elite at chocolate eating, being able to spend time (actually or virtually) with those who have achieved and will achieve so much on the field, track, court etc is nothing less than a privilege, so thank you Emily for taking time out of your day to share your thoughts and story.
We chatted about the psychological side of sport, about coping with the pressures of performing and preparing for life after the career comes to an end. Whatever level of whatever sport you play, there are challenges, and pressures that can come from so many angles depending on your own situation. I never achieved any great heights on the cricket field (although my bowling was regularly dispatched into the clouds), but 25 years ago next month, I was lucky enough to play in the semi-final of the National Club Knockout, one game away from Lord’s.
The result didn’t go our way on the day, but the importance of the game and playing in front of a four-figure crowd for the only time were things I struggled to deal with … yet others are able to thrive under that (and even greater) pressure and produce their best when it really matters.
Being able to watch Prem, Super League and international netballers, often at close-quarters, I am amazed by the athleticism and skill of the athletes, but equally their individual and collective ability to influence games when pressure and fatigue are their most intense.
People like me only see the hour on court, not the hours, months and years of hard work and dedication that it takes to become the best you can possibly be … and yet, win, lose or draw, still be willing to give so much back to the people that have come to see you play. Notwithstanding the fantastic action on court, that kind of inclusivity makes netball a very special sport indeed.
As many of you know, I have been asking the netball community to support my preparations for a 50km indoor row in September by sending a selfie to add to a “Netball Wall” which will be used as motivation on the tough training days.
As well as taking the time to talk to me Emily has also spoken to team mates from Turnford and Surrey Storm; she’s clearly very persuasive, as a number of new photos have appeared on the wall as a result. Top class netballers who don’t know me, yet are prepared to wish me well … it’s hard to express how much of a difference you are all making.
This blog ends, as have many others, with the same message that underpins everything I try to do … never be afraid to talk about how you feel, or ask for help if you are struggling.
Emily, thank you once again.
No.121 on the list (but the 120th to be completed) was to have a video chat with someone I haven’t met before, one of the ones that was added due to the restrictions imposed by lockdown.
I have to say, there are an awful lot of people I haven’t met before; but only a handful are friends on social media. One of those is Emily Gulvin, a young lady who I’ve seen play netball (irritatingly well) for her club side Turnford against Grangetown, and for Surrey Storm in Super League, but until yesterday, we had never spoken.
Well thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we were able to chat about all things netball and mental health for over an hour and I’m delighted to say Emily stayed awake throughout! I always enjoy listening to an elite athlete talking about their particular sport, telling their own story, the best players they’ve played with and against, and what they’ve overcome to excel in their chosen sport.
As someone who has only ever been elite at chocolate eating, being able to spend time (actually or virtually) with those who have achieved and will achieve so much on the field, track, court etc is nothing less than a privilege, so thank you Emily for taking time out of your day to share your thoughts and story.
We chatted about the psychological side of sport, about coping with the pressures of performing and preparing for life after the career comes to an end. Whatever level of whatever sport you play, there are challenges, and pressures that can come from so many angles depending on your own situation. I never achieved any great heights on the cricket field (although my bowling was regularly dispatched into the clouds), but 25 years ago next month, I was lucky enough to play in the semi-final of the National Club Knockout, one game away from Lord’s.
The result didn’t go our way on the day, but the importance of the game and playing in front of a four-figure crowd for the only time were things I struggled to deal with … yet others are able to thrive under that (and even greater) pressure and produce their best when it really matters.
Being able to watch Prem, Super League and international netballers, often at close-quarters, I am amazed by the athleticism and skill of the athletes, but equally their individual and collective ability to influence games when pressure and fatigue are their most intense.
People like me only see the hour on court, not the hours, months and years of hard work and dedication that it takes to become the best you can possibly be … and yet, win, lose or draw, still be willing to give so much back to the people that have come to see you play. Notwithstanding the fantastic action on court, that kind of inclusivity makes netball a very special sport indeed.
As many of you know, I have been asking the netball community to support my preparations for a 50km indoor row in September by sending a selfie to add to a “Netball Wall” which will be used as motivation on the tough training days.
As well as taking the time to talk to me Emily has also spoken to team mates from Turnford and Surrey Storm; she’s clearly very persuasive, as a number of new photos have appeared on the wall as a result. Top class netballers who don’t know me, yet are prepared to wish me well … it’s hard to express how much of a difference you are all making.
This blog ends, as have many others, with the same message that underpins everything I try to do … never be afraid to talk about how you feel, or ask for help if you are struggling.
Emily, thank you once again.