Georgia Adderley: The Power of Sport
As part of the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week celebrations, Scottish Squash is shining a spotlight on Georgia Adderley (not that she needs it!).
Georgia has rallied back from injury and just finished competing at the US Open at the end of October, where she had a hard-fought, competitive match against Amanda Sobhy. Despite not being the outcome she would have wanted, her season is looking promising as she aims to put herself in a strong position to qualify for LA28 where squash will make its Olympic Games debut.
Looking outside the ranking table, how has squash impacted her life? Georgia provides an insight on the role sport and squash has played in her life.
Question: How has squash shaped your life?
Georgia: “Sport has been a part of my life from a very young age. I have always loved sport since I was five, playing football in the playground with the boys and being stuck in goal. I think sport helped me with confidence and enabled me to express myself out there. I was a bit different in terms of that’s what I wanted to do with every spare moment. A little different from the other girls my age but I didn’t care. That’s what I wanted to do and when I was on that pitch that’s all that mattered. Sport is amazing.
“I love how you can constantly improve and regardless of what life is throwing at you, you can exercise and play and feel a little bit better (even if it’s for a short while).
“Now as squash is my job, I don’t let it define who I am but I do feel so grateful that I get to do this as my job. There is endless opportunity to improve myself as both a person and a squash player.
“I am so fortunate I have been able to travel our amazing world and see things and places very few have. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve been because of squash have been incredible.”
Question: Why would you encourage more young girls/women to get involved in sport?
Georgia: “There is a sport for everyone out there and the positive impact on mental and physical wellbeing is something like no other.
“For me, when I exercise, my body feels better and my mind feels clearer. You meet amazing likeminded people and learn more about yourself each day. I think another thing is it shows you that you can push yourself a little harder than you thought you could.
“Mentally can help you switch off from things and switch focus onto the sport or task at hand. Goal setting can help you to feel good when you meet your goals and can see what focus and putting your mind to something can do.
“There’s is a lack of women and girls exercising and doing sport regularly. Get involved, do it with your friends. Sport can help with your body confidence and more importantly your health. There are countless studies and things out there recommending exercise for health. It provides you with opportunity to travel, meet new people and try something new.
“Look for role models out there to help inspire you to give it a go. We all at one stage were beginners and that’s the beauty of sport.”
If you would be interested in trying squash, check out the ‘Play Squash’ opportunities available on the Scottish Squash website, here: PLAY – Scottish Squash
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