Her Moves: Jamie Owens' Story
"Sport and physical activity have greatly impacted my life because it has helped with my confidence" - Jamie Owens
Jamie Owens is a 15-year-old student from Celbridge Community School and BMX racer. She is a member of Lucan BMX club and has competed in the National Series in 2022. We sat down with Jamie to ask a few questions about her story!
WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN YOUR SPORT?
I started riding BMX when I had just turned 13-years-old. I went with my dad and brother to Lucan BMX club to try it out. I had previous experience on bikes competing in mini duathlons and just loved being on my bike. I realised on the very first day that I tried it out that I absolutely loved the excitement of riding the BMX track.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SPORT / ACTIVITIES THAT YOU DID BEFORE THE SPORT YOU DO NOW?
I used to do kickboxing and I have graded numerous times. I am currently a brown belt 1.
HOW HAS SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Sport and physical activity have greatly impacted my life because it has helped with my confidence, and I really enjoy competing in competitions. I have learnt that it is not always about winning, it is about competing and doing my best. Competitions are races against other riders, but I always try to be in competition with myself to beat my lap times.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRE / POST EXERCISE SNACK?
My favourite pre-exercise snack is toast with peanut butter and sliced banana. My favourite post-exercise snack would be a fulfil protein salted caramel bar.
WHO INSPIRES YOU TO BE ACTIVE?
Seeing my clubmates trying their best at practice session inspires me to be active and the encouragement they give helps greatly.
WHAT DOES YOUR SCHOOL DO TO ENCOURAGE AN ACTIVE ENVIRONMENT?
My school encourages an active environment by having a PE class weekly and there are many extra-curricular sporting activities after school hours.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INFLUENTIAL COACH AND WHY?
My most influential coach is my coach at Lucan BMX, John O’Reilly. From the very first day that I started he was always so encouraging at training sessions, open sessions and on race days. He is always on hand for advice on how I can improve and always gives positive feedback too.
HAVE YOU NOTICED OTHER GIRLS YOUR AGE STEPPING AWAY FROM SPORT? IF SO, HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
I notice a lot of girls my age stepping away from sports. This makes me feel sad for them as when you find a sport you really love it is good for you not only physically but mentally.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT DROPPING OUT OF SPORT?
My advice to someone thinking about dropping out of their sport would be to think long and hard about dropping out. I would advise them to compare the pros and the cons of what their sport means to them and to speak to their coach, other team members or their family before dropping out for good.
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR PARENT'S TRYING TO SUPPORT THEIR DAUGHTER PARTICIPATING IN SPORT?
My advice to any parent trying to support their daughter in participating in a sport would be to not push them too hard and always offer encouragement no matter where they place in a race or match if its football. My parents get nervous when I race so I would also advise parents to try remaining calm and do not show your daughter that you are nervous.
HAVE YOU ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE THINKING OF GETTING INVOLVED IN BMX RACING AND HOW CAN THEY GET INVOLVED?
My advice for someone thinking of getting involved in BMX cycling would be to give it a try and don’t knock it until you try it.
WHEN IS YOUR NEXT COMPETITION?
My next competition in Irish Nationals Round 3 on the 1st of July and the Championships on the 2nd of July, both are being held in Cork BMX Club.
WHO IS YOUR FEMALE SPORTING ROLE MODEL?
My female role model would have to be Bethany Shriever, she is a 24-year-old elite British cyclist. Bethany won gold in the 2020 Olympic Games in Women’s BMX racing.
TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
A fun fact about me is I like to voice my opinion 😊
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