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Two of Guernsey's leading female athletes have shared some of their top tips for other women wanting to push themselves to reach their own personal best standards.
Both Sarah Roe and Ulrike Maisch will be part of Team Guernsey at next month's Island Games.
Both are successful middle and long distance runners with a plethora of wins between them.
They've been visiting primary schools across the island ahead of Guernsey hosting the Games to involve pupils in the event and to discuss the different sports and the benefits of active lifestyles.
It's hoped that the Games may help stem the drop off in the number of girls taking part in sport as they go through adolescence, by inspiring them to be more active.
The decline in female participation in sport has been well documented, with Guernsey's Young People's Survey repeatedly proving that more girls stop taking part in physical activities than boys by the time they start secondary school.
Pictured: Data from the 2010 Young People's Survey shows the pattern in the number of girls cutting back on physical activity has been present for some time.
National data referenced by the Health Improvement Commission in its Be Active report for 2022 showed that 61% of boys and 33% of girls do an average of 60-minutes 'moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day'.
Locally 71% of primary and 48% of secondary boys, and 65% of primary and 59% of secondary girls reported taking part in a sports club or class showing there is a gap between the amount of activity girls and boys do.
Both Sarah and Ulrike are hoping they can help encourage more girls to be active by taking part in an activity they enjoy.
"We are fortunate in Guernsey that we have so many opportunities to participate in sports and to be active," said Sarah. "I think it’s important that we create welcoming environments for women to participate and support each other. Additionally, we should continue to showcase women who are participating in sport, as well as those who are involved in coaching and organisation."
Ulriche thinks encouraging anyone to be more active has to start at home, so good habits can be formed.
"I think we generally need to inspire kids to be more active. Especially nowadays with all the electronics they have at home. I think it’s mainly up to the parents to live an active and healthy lifestyle and motivate the kids but also there need to be opportunities, clubs, activities that kids enjoy."
Pictured: Sarah Roe (l) and Ulrike Maisch (r) are both competing for Guernsey this summer.
Both women said they've had to work hard to success in their running, but Ulrike said she would do it all again.
"[I have] no regrets although my parents weren’t too happy that I spend many years [longer] at university but as a professional athlete you get to travel a lot, meet so many lovely people from all over the world, get to do things that not everyone does - being on TV, radio, photo shootings, invitations to big events...
"I think it’s an interesting life and you get to do what you love doing. But I would say it doesn’t have to be sport, it could be in other fields as medicine, politics or others. Just follow your dreams, work hard and believe in yourself."
Sarah agreed there's a lot of hard work involved in athletic success but she also says it is worth it.
"I think it’s most important to be open to try different things and find a sport that you enjoy taking part in. Also don’t be discouraged if you aren’t the best straight away, if you continue to work hard and try your best you will see the results of your efforts."
Sarah and Ulrike will be competing in the half marathon on the final day of competition at the Island Games - with a looped course through St Peter Port offering a chance for spectators to see the action up close.
"Taking part in the Island Games was my big goal this year, despite my age I worked a bit harder over the winter, as did everyone else, so it wasn’t easy to be selected for the team," said Ulrike. "My kids (and many friends) will be along the course/at the competitions and I hope they’re proud and it inspires and motivates them to set goals and work hard for it."
Sarah is already expecting the Guernsey Games to have a positive legacy and she's excited to be a part of it.
"I am looking forward to having the opportunity to be part of an Island Games in Guernsey. I’ve enjoyed competing in the Games previously but I think that doing so in Guernsey will be an unforgettable experience."
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