Her Moves: Síofra Norton's Story
"I wish I had just dropped down to training for fun at a recreational level instead of quitting altogether. I would advise anyone to do that." - Síofra Norton
Síofra Norton is an 18-year-old leaving cert student from Dublin. Balancing studies and sport can be very difficult, we spoke with Síofra last week and asked her a few questions about her relationship with sport and activity and her story so far.
How / When did you first get involved in your sport?
I first got involved in sport when I was about three or four, when my mum put me into a toddler gymnasts’ class. I was then taken out from that class and did a trial for a gymnastics club where I trained for ten years.
What Sport or Activities would you have done the most?
I spent most of my life doing gymnastics competitively. I played hockey for around six years as well. Hockey gave me a nice balance with gymnastics, as it allowed me to experience a team sport.
What is your experience with sport?
My experience with sport is mostly very positive, I loved gymnastics and I loved the competition side of it too. I enjoyed hockey but I didn’t have the same love for the sport that would motivate me to train to the best of my ability. I played for a club first and then just for my school, so hockey ended up being a fun way to spend time with my friends, rather than a sport I took seriously.
How has sport and physical activity impacted your life?
I am so glad that I did as much sport as I did growing up. Gymnastics meant I was a physically strong child and I got used to training multiple times a week from a young age. Hockey also allowed me to get involved in a team sport which was very important as gymnastics is very focused on your own personal performance.
Who inspires you to be active?
My godmother is in her forties and still plays football weekly with a team. I’ve tagged along a few times just for fun, but it makes me hope that when I’m her age I’m involved in a team sport like that.
What does your school do to encourage an active environment?
My secondary school was very inclusive and there were options for students to play rugby hockey or basketball and they entered each team in leagues so that everyone would have the opportunity to play matches competitively regardless of level. Personal sporting achievements of students were also recognised at things like end of year assembly.
Have you noticed many teenage girls stepping away from sport? If so, how does that make you feel?
For myself, I regret stopping sport, and I plan to go back to it this year when I start college. Lots of my friends still play sports to a very high level which I think is great, I think the number of girls dropping out has decreased in the last few years, at least from what I’ve seen.
What’s your advice to someone thinking about dropping out of sport?
I would very strongly advise anyone to stay involved in sport. For me, I dropped out because I didn’t want to give the time commitment needed to compete in gymnastics, along with some ongoing injuries. However, I wish I had just dropped down to training for fun at a recreational level instead of quitting altogether. I would advise anyone to do that in whatever their sport is if they really feel like they can’t continue at the pace they are.
Is there any advice you have for parents trying to support their daughter participating in sport?
I would say make sure she sees female role models as well as the men, make sport sound fun, introduce it at a young age, encourage her and make sure she finds a sport she likes not just what you did as a child, as she is far more likely to stick with it.
Have you any advice for someone thinking of getting involved in sport or physical activity?
I would say to find somewhere in your community, try not to shy away from it you’re never too old to start. Think of all the benefits, both physically and mentally along with the social aspect.
Who is your female sporting role model?
I would have to say Gabby Douglas. I watched her movies obsessively when i was younger and in my “gymnastics is everything” years. She shows a good work ethic is essential you cannot just be talented.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
When I was younger, I used to sneak out at night to do flips on my trampoline.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO SIOFRA FOR TELLING HER MOVES ALL ABOUT HER STORY. IF YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY TO TELL, PLEASE LET US KNOW. YOU CAN MESSAGE US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK OR TWITTER!
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