Guernsey 2023 International Island Games

What is the Sport you specialise in and how did you get into it?

I’ve always loved swimming and took that passion to the next level with swimming competitively when I was 8. I started to compete locally, later progressing to county, regional and national levels. 

Who are your role models/ inspirational figures?

Emma Mckeon, is one of the most successful commonwealth swimmers and one of the best in the world in my favourite event; 100 metres butterfly. She is most definitely a role model, setting the bar high and inspiring others.

What is your greatest achievement in your specialised sport?

Being selected to represent Guernsey in the Commonwealth Games, competing against exceptional talent from the likes of England, Australia, South Africa and Canada in the international final is my greatest achievement so far.

How do you prepare mentally for competing?

For me, having a consistent pre-race routine helps me prepare mentally. I tend to eat the same foods and warm up in the same way so I know it’s time to get into the zone. I also like to listen to House and R&B music to get the adrenalin pumping and the endorphins flowing.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Island Games?

I am so excited to be competing at the Guernsey Games 2023, representing my island in front of a home crowd; it will be so inspiring. This will be the third time I have represented my country at the Island Games. And this year, I’m also going to be competing alongside my sister which is a privilege and an honour. Her speciality stroke is freestyle so I am looking forward to watching her race and to be also competing alongside her in the relays.

What is the Sport you specialise in and how did you get into it?

I have had a passion for Tennis ever since my early childhood. My parents and other family members are also avid Tennis players so it felt inevitable that I would get the Tennis bug too. I joined a tennis club at quite a young age. I was already spending time there as my mum and brother were also already members. When I was around 8 years old, I started to compete in county events and it has naturally developed from those foundations.

Who are your role models/ inspirational figures?

Billie Jean King has to be my biggest role model. She is inspirational for women in sport, beating Bobby Riggs in ‘The battle of the sexes’ in 1973. She was also an incredible champion, winning a total of 39 grand slams across singles and doubles.

What is your greatest achievement in your specialised sport?

I was recruited at Division 1 level for a 4 year National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) scholarship in Asheville, North Carolina from 2016 - 2020. It gave me an opportunity to play at a high level without having to go down the professional route which can mean other sacrifices have to be made, especially education ambitions. I trained around 20 hours per week whilst earning my degree which helped me advance greatly, especially in doubles. It also allowed me to grow personally, becoming more independent and confident with being so far away from home. I made many friendships during my time in America and definitely see it as a second home.

How do you prepare mentally for competing?

Everyone prepares for a competition in different ways. For me, being in a calm and relaxed environment, going over a few key areas with my coach so as not to over complicate the preparation is the most efficient way for me. Although I am a very competitive person, I find being relaxed and focussing more on enjoyment and my love for tennis rather than putting too much pressure on myself, helps me to perform more positively.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Island Games?

This is the first time I will be competing in the Island Games and I feel incredibly honoured and very excited to be part of this special event, representing my island. I feel that the Games will bring about a fantastic opportunity to showcase Tennis and the talent we have in Guernsey.

What is the Sport you specialise in and how did you get into it?

My interest in shooting first started during my school years when I was introduced to the local indoor target shooting club. After a couple of years, I moved onto ‘Fullbore’ target rifle shooting which is a precision rifle shooting sport discipline where we shoot outdoors at varying distances ranging from 200 to 1000 yards. For the Island Games, I am competing in the pairs and individual events.

What does your training programme look like?

The shooting season begins in April and runs through to September. I practice most Sunday mornings where possible and where the weather allows. My training sessions last for around 3 hours, from 8am to 11am.

How do you manage your day job as well as being an athlete?

My training takes place on Sundays only so I am fortunate enough that I don’t have to particularly adapt my work or training schedules as there is no real conflict.

How do you prepare mentally for competing?

Before a shoot, I visualise a good performance, and try to remain in a positive frame of mind. Ultimately, I shoot because I enjoy it, so I try to keep that as my focus rather than the competitive element of the sport.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Island Games?

I am proud and excited to represent Jersey in the Island Games. I am also really looking forward to meeting the other competitors taking part. It’s great to see so much talent from the multitude of islands participating.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move into the World of Sport?

Give it a go - if you don’t try, you won’t know what you’re missing. Being part of a team is a great feeling and sharing the ups and downs of competitive sport brings everyone closer together

What is the Sport you specialise in and how did you get into it?

I discovered archery through my Dad’s interest in the sport initially. I was 12 when my Dad took up archery and I would go along with him to watch him practice. The following Summer, in 2015, I tried it myself and I’ve been competing in the sport alongside my Dad ever since.

Who are your role models/ inspirational figures?

Within our Island Games team, there are several members who have been competing in the sport for many years. Watching the success of these individuals inspires me to continue my love for archery and to encourage others. Although archery is an individual sport, it is like being part of a big family who are continuously supporting each other.

What is your greatest achievement in your specialised sport?

I have taken part in many off island UK competitions, and took the title of Recurve Junior Hampshire Champion a few times throughout my junior career in the sport.

However, being elected for the Island Games, representing my country on my island is already a great achievement for me and a moment that I am hugely proud of. The postponement of the Games due to COVID was unfortunate but has created more anticipation and excitement.

How do you prepare mentally for competing?

Archery as a sport is very much based on mental strength. It’s therefore important to have that level of preparation for both big and small competitions. I try to do this by getting into my own little bubble, warming up and having a positive attitude. I visualise what is to come and also take time to take a step back and assess the situation if things start to take a direction that wasn’t planned.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Island Games?

The Island Games means so much to me. I am so proud to be selected but also to represent Guernsey on my home island. I will also be competing alongside my Dad in the sport of archery which is a special moment and one that I won’t forget.

What is the Sport you specialise in and how did you get into it?

I used to play football as a child with my brothers in our garden at home. But it wasn’t until I was at university that I decided to take up football as a hobby, representing my college. When I returned to Guernsey for work, I continued to play football and joined the local women’s team where I developed my skills and experiences further. It was from this that I was then selected to represent Guernsey in the Island Games.

Who are your role models/ inspirational figures?

My favourite player is Australian Sam Kerr, based on her movement and ability to score. I also think what Maya Le Tissier, Guernsey born professional footballer, has achieved is pretty incredible so she would be another inspiration of mine.

What is your greatest achievement in your specialised sport?

My greatest achievement to date is without a doubt, being selected for the island games. I am so excited to be part of such a great event, celebrating our island’s talent and competing against some excellent players.

How do you prepare mentally for competing?

I try to not overthink when preparing to compete, I think that causes additional and unnecessary pressure. I prefer to have a more relaxed and positive outlook and more importantly, to enjoy the moment.

What does it mean to you to compete in the Island Games?

Playing in the Island Games is my greatest sporting achievement to date and I’m so proud to be representing Guernsey. I’m hoping all the time, effort and dedication we’ve put into preparing for the Games will result in a team win.

Jess is volunteering as part of the officiating team for basketball which covers scoring, timing, shot clock and statistics for the match. Jess undertook training from official FIBA (International Basketball Federation) representatives and once she has gained experience from the Games, will have a FIBA recognised qualification. Jess has been involved in and around the Guernsey Basketball Association for 14 years so will be cheering on Team Guernsey.

Kimberley is volunteering as part of the Island Games Athletics Track team. Just some of the team's responsibilities include hurdle race setup, observing and regulating races to ensure athletes keep in their lanes, monitoring the relay changeovers from a legal perspective and most importantly, assessing who crosses the finish line first! Kimberley has considerable past experience competing in previous Island Games for athletics (and winning medals) and is appreciating the efforts needed now being on the other side of the sport.