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She Speaks Sport
Welcome to She Speaks Sport, where the love for women’s sports meets the fascination for the stories behind the game-changers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore, join me for empowering conversations, insightful interviews, and a front-row seat to the compelling narratives behind the names we know and admire. Get ready to fuel your passion for sports and uncover the untold stories that deserve to be heard.
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Featured Podcasts
Mieke de Ridder - Beyond the World Cup
The Womenโs T20 Cricket World Cup may be over, but the emotions are still running high. Join me this week as I dive deep into the heart of the Proteas campaign with Mieke de Ridder, the talented wicketkeeper and right-hand batter for the Proteas. She made her international debut for the national team over a year ago against Pakistan and was part of the world cup squad that just wrapped up their campaign in Dubai.ย
From the historic semi-final victory against Australia to the heartbreak of the final loss against New Zealand, we unpack the moments and experiences that defined the teamโs journey. Mieke opens up about the profound impact of these experiences on the team and cricket fans alike, offering her personal perspective on coping with triumph and disappointment. We also get straightforward about how we both dealt with disappointment from opposite sides of the game, as a lover of the game and as a player.ย We also talk about Laura Wolvaardts captaincy and how her understanding of the game, brings a calmness and an edge to the field.
Curious about the five individuals Mieke de Ridder honoured on her shirt? Want to know how she discovered her passion for wicketkeeping? And who are some of the individuals she credits with helping her grow into the confident player she is today? Tune in as we explore these questions and more in a conversation that goes beyond the scoreboard. Hit play and relive the unforgettable moments of the World Cup with us!
Paige Badenhorst โ Rowing Journey to the Olympics
Paige Badenhorst has always set the bar high when it comes to pursuing her dreams. She moved to the U.S to study at Michigan University, until a move to Cambridge University saw her participate in the annual River Thames boat race, where her crew set a course record. Now she is flying the flag really high for female rowers, as she is proudly representing South Africa as the only female rower at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
On the pod, Paige and I talk about her feelings around the games, and her childhood dream of Olympic participation, now a reality and how she is processing living her dream. Her pride in representing our country, and wearing the national colours is so evident. Paige also breaks down what rowing really is, the different boat classes and how rowing backwards is how you move forward. We discuss her partnership with Katherine Williams and the heartbreak in missing out for the womenโs doubles in the Olympic qualifiers and how the head-to-head in the trials was hard. Paige came out as the winner, securing her spot in the single scull competition. We also talk about the respect and connection between the female rowers and Paige shares with us who to look out for in the rowing competition. Inspiring, uplifting and exciting, tune in for this Olympic special.ย
Hannele Steyn โ Blazing a Trail
Few can boast a trailblazing road like triathlete and mountain biking champion, Hannele Steyn. Having achieved Springbok colours in biathlon, duathlon, triathlon, road cycling and mountain biking, she is also one of only four individuals to have completed all 20 Cape epic mountain biking events. She has also taken the win in over 15 stages, and the All-African Womenโs trophy proudly bears her name. She has represented South Africa in 10 world championships, 11 triathlon world cups and 9 mountain biking world cups.ย
In this episode, Hannele Steyn opens up about her remarkable career and the challenges she faced.Born with a hole in her heart and having heard from her teachers that despite her love of sport she lacked the talent to achieve anything significant, Hannele shares how these obstacles fuelled her fire.ย Discover how this ignited her passion and resilience, and learn why she believes that selfishness can be either a virtue or a vice.
We delve into her love for teaching and mentoring women in mountain biking, the transformative impact of the #sheuntamed initiative empowering more women to take up mountain biking, and she shares her thoughts on the recent 2025 Cape Epic route launch.ย
The F1A Wrap up with Chloe Chong
This week I am so excited to once again catch up with motorsport driver Chloe Chong, who was the youngest driver in the Formula 1 Academy in 2023. Racing with Prema Racing last year, Chloe made the transition from karting and progressed throughout the season to have her sights firmly set on the future with F1.
On the show we discuss Chloeโs takeaways from the F1 Academy, as well as the challenges and highlights from the season. We talk about her collision in Barcelona which left her with a sore wrist and only one good set of tyres for the final race day. And we also get in to her meeting with Lewis Hamilton and the now โ famous bolt he fixed on her car. There was something specific Chloe had to tell the Formula 1 icon and she shares this on the show. Also, Chloe shares her tricks on how to sleep anywhere (a superpower in my opinion!), and what her and her team mates got up to between races. We also talk about music, and the songs we love.ย How is Chloe juggling racing and school work? What are her plans for 2024 (a lot will be unfolding in the next few weeks? And of course, I needed to know how is Ellie?ย Tune in for this enjoyable, behind the scenes conversation.ย
Michaela Leonard โ Australiaโs Passionate Rugby Captain
Michaela Leonard is the current Wallaroos Captain and is one of the most experienced players in Australian history, with 32 test caps to her name. She took over the captaincy in 2023 and has led her side to victory in the WXV2 tournament that recently wrapped up in Cape Town.
On the podcast, we discuss the WXV2 tournament and the journey leading up to it. Michaela opens up about the mindset the team had at the start, their goals of maintaining their world ranking, and ultimately aiming to win the WXV2 title. We dive into the crucial warm-up games against Ireland and Wales, and how those matches shaped the teamโs learnings and prepared them for the upcoming challenges in Cape Town. As captain, Michaela shares her ongoing leadership journey, highlighting the strength that comes from collaboration.ย
In a fascinating twist, Michaela also reflects on her transition from basketball to rugby and how she went from never watching a rugby union game to now becoming a key figure in a sport she truly loves.ย
In addition, we explore Michaelaโs career as a vet physiotherapist and her deep love for animals, before diving into whatโs next for the team as they set their sights on the Rugby World Cup in 2025.ย
Tazmin Brits โ 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup
This weekโs episode of She Speaks Sport, dives deep into the heart and mind of top order Proteas batter Tazmin Brits, just as the thrilling 2024 ICC T20 Womenโs Cricket World Cup kicks off in the vibrant heat of Dubai. As South Africa prepares to face the West Indies tomorrow, thereโs no shortage of excitement and anticipation surrounding this tournament.
In our heartfelt conversation, Tazmin opens up about the unique challenges of competing in the U.A.E., conditions unfamiliar to all ten teams. She shares her strategies for navigating the pressures of World Cup competition, including the routines she has developed to foster her mental resilience and navigating social media during the tournament. Reflecting on 2023โs historic semi-final victory over England and the subsequent clash with Australia, Tazmin reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from those historic, moving moments.
This episode also touches on a deeply personal note, Tazminโs mother, Zeldine, her unwavering supporter, is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and wonโt be in the stands this time. Tazmin Brits discusses how this impacts her mindset and how mindfulness has become a vital part of her preparation for the upcoming matches.ย
What My Guests Say
The interview with Lauren has been nothing short of impactful. She manages to deliver informative and engaging conversations.ย It is great to see that there is a growing emphasis on raising awareness about women’s health issues, which has been silenced for too long.
Fatima Kathrada, Womenโs Health Researcher & Advocate
My interview with Lauren, was really fun, with some refreshingly different questions.
And lots of interaction from the listeners.
Andrie Steyn, WP Cricket Vice - Captain
The interview was an inspiring space for us as women from different walks of life, speaking with the same voice to share our stories, wisdom and understanding of how society functions in response to the roles and needs expressed by women.
Kganya Mogashoa, Visual Artist
I had such a heartwarming time with Lauren on Air talking women empowerment, Inclusivity, and inspiring our youth of South Africa. Lauren unpacks the relevant topics so well, i had a super time diving into the chore of visions and instilling important values to our listeners I was as much inspired by Lauren as she was by me and I look forward to following her as together women can master incredible things further, for women, by women.