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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 Chloe’s 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 – 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. 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? Tune in for this enjoyable, behind the scenes conversation.

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Akther Jahan Khan – Cricket on Purpose

Cricket is more than just a sport for players, spectators and fans, it’s a powerful tool that can change the narrative of life for so many, and Akther Jahan Khan knows this personally. Arriving in Germany as a foreigner, she found connection through her love of cricket.
On the show, we discuss Akther’s lifelong love and journey in cricket, her role as sport director for cricket development, and her position as captain and officer for the Bundesliga women’s team in Bayern. We also chat about how she uses cricket in schools to expose children, especially young girls to cricket, and how cricket has helped refugees cope with stress and integration. As a trainer and coach in international schools, as well as a trainer and organiser of indoor and outdoor cricket tournaments, Akther is confident that cricket will grow in Germany. What do her programs for youth look like and what does she think about the future of international cricket in Germany especially for women? Catch it all here in this week’s episode.

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Babette de Leede-Behind the Stumps 

She holds the world record for the most stumpings in a single innings of a cricket match. She also plays for the Netherlands women’s national cricket team and is in her third season of playing for the Western Province women’s team in Cape Town South Africa. My guest on She Speaks Sport today is Babette de Leede.
On the show, we talk about her cricket lineage, from her grandparents meeting at a cricket match, to her uncle and cousin playing international cricket for the Netherlands. Babette talks us through her incredible participation in the Fairbreak Tournament when she formed an integral part of the Sapphires team, and made history with her quick gloves and fast stumping. She lets us in on how she feels about playing for Western Province, and how she balances completing her master’s degree while playing cricket and dreaming of bigger things for the years that lie ahead. How did she feel watching the auction for the inaugural Women’s Cape Premier League and the amount paid for her to join the team? And what is on her vision board for 2024? Get to know the overseas player who is making her mark in the Western Province cricket team, right here.

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Natascha Knaven Developing Cycling Talent

Women’s professional cycling has come a long way since I first started watching the sport back in 2009, and over the past year it has made even longer strides. Yet, headlines surrounding gender parity in women’s cycling still remain a stark reminder that more is needed to be done in the sport so many people love and participate in. Which is why I am so thrilled to be welcoming Natascha Knaven – van Ouden, who is the co – founder, sport manager, coach and mentor for the Ag Insurance – Soudal – Quickstep women’s team. Breaking boundaries in the sport through her passion for women’s development in cycling, Natascha is a real “tour de force.”

On the show, we discuss the gap between development cycling and the pro – peloton and how Natascha is bridging that gap through her programs and the U-23 development. We also shine a light on the importance of education, internship and work skill success for all the cyclists on her team and how this impacts sponsorship on the bike. Natascha also shares with us about her four daughters’ cycling journey’s and how she herself came in to the realm of co – founding a team with her husband Servais. What does she think of the Tour de France Femme cycling route for 2024, with its climbs and challenges? And how can the future change for the better when it comes to sponsorships, and equal opportunities for women in cycling? Join us for an exuberant conversation on crucial aspects of women’s cycling.

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Chaya Mughal – Women’s Cricket in UAE

Passionate and filled with wisdom, my guest on She Speaks Sport today is former UAE women’s captain and women’s cricket development officer Chaya Mughal. Chaya not only led the national team but also served as the UAE U-19 assistant coach for the inaugural U-19 World Cup which took place in South Africa in 2023. She has also been a part of the Fairbreak Invitational Tournament and captained the UAE national team in over 42 consecutive matches.

On the show, we reflect on Chaya’s passion for cricket and the development of the game for women in UAE. Drawing from her long career as a leader on and off the field, we talk about leadership qualities and her life’s values and wisdom. The Fairbreak Invitational Tournament is always a highlight and Chaya describes her time at the tournament and how she learnt a lot personally from Sophie Devine. What did she think of the U-19 tournament in South Africa and what did she learn from the South African people themselves? Her touching sentiments about South Africans is especially moving. Chaya also shares about the development of women’s cricket in the UAE, as well as her teams win in the Asia qualifier trophy, where UAE finally beat Thailand in a dramatic 6 run victory. Her final tournament before retiring from her illustrious international career.

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Nadine Roos –  the Rugby Sevens Star

The Springbok Rugby women’s sevens team have just returned from playing the Africa Cup Qualifiers in Tunisia, where they secured Olympic qualification for the games in Paris next year. World rugby player of the year and sevens star, Nadine Roos joins me on the show today to discuss this recent win in Tunisia and the team’s determination as they approached the qualifiers.
We also talk about how the team handled the pressure at the tournament and the tough circumstances that faced them as they played in Africa. Reflecting deeply on her faith and upbringing in the home of our grandmother Ouma Sarie, Nadine shares a glimpse of the tough times and how her grandmother’s wisdom and faith paved a profound connection to religion in her own life. As an introvert Nadine has learnt to handle the media attention and the public spotlight, so how does she do that? And what advice would she give to her younger self? We also touch on the importance of paving a bright future for women in rugby, and how we can do that as spectators, players and investors. And of course, Nadine discusses the on-field emotions players have to manage with calmness and respect, especially when referees aren’t impartial. The rest of 2023 and its rugby calendar is exciting, so where will Nadine and the team be heading to over the next few weeks, tune in and find out here.

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Katherine Williams – Rowing for South Africa

Katherine Williams is a member of the RMB National Rowing team. Having claimed a bronze medal in the U23 World Championships in the single scull, she is currently part of the women’s heavyweight double with fellow rower, Paige Badenhorst. 

Kat joins me to talk about how she fell in love with rowing, the excitement and twist in the bronze medal achievement, and how the new pairing with Paige was meant to be. We also talk about representing women in the national team, money in the sport, and the structure of training alongside male rowers and how this can be a positive reality.

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Ayesha Billimoria-India’s Fastest Girl

On She Speaks Sport this week, I am joined by Ayesha Billimoria, once known as the fastest girl in India. Ayesha is a 3-time national champion in the 200 metres, and she represented the state of Maharashtra for 17 consecutive years. She has held several national and state titles and in 2016, she started Project Fitgirl, aimed at educating young girls through sport development.

On the show, we discuss Ayesha’s early success and how running is her passion and her purpose. She reflects on one of the biggest races she ran as a young teen, when she won gold at the national championships. Sports had the power to change her life, and today Ayesha found Project Fitgirl to create change in the lives of young girls in rural India. Discussing the various hindrances to girls’ education, Ayesha uncovers the deep mindsets of casteism and lack of education for girls, which causes deep inequalities and pain. Yet through sport development, physical literacy and sports education programs, Ayesha shares the successes and the continued need to advocate for girls. A heartfelt fervour coaching, we discuss the approach to coaching Ayesha has adopted and hopes to see spread across India.

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Claire Terblanche – Women’s Cricket Coach

The domestic cricket season has begun and the Western Province cricket ladies are ready to go! Joining me on the show today is Western Province Head Coach Claire Terblanche who is also head coach for the Phoenix Cricket Club in Ireland and the Scorchers Super Series head coach. This year, Claire led the Western Province team to their crowning as the 50-over champions, and she also picked up the Coach of the Year award, as well as the CSA Provincial Coach of the Year.

We chat deeply about her time in Ireland working with cricket players from 6 up to 55, and how coaching different age groups encourages creativity from the coach. Discussing the incredible talent of Ireland’s national women’s side, Claire shares her appreciation for the team’s bright future and growth mindset. We get into the new season, what lies ahead and what to expect from the next few games as Western Province take on the Dolphins. How does Claire motivate her players through slumps, what does she think of her awards and the players who have come through her team and onto the national side? In this compelling, open conversation we become acquainted with Claire, our celebrated Western Province women’s cricket coach!

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Netball was my Destiny – Ine Mari Venter

The netball World Cup was a highlight on the calendar this year and the Spar Proteas inspired the nation as they represented South Africa on African soil. This week on She Speaks Sport, I am joined by the extraordinary Proteas goal shooter, Ine – Mari Venter. Not only does Ine – Mari take centre stage in the circle for the Proteas, but she also plays for the Saracens Mavericks.
Together, we discuss the impact of the Netball world Cup, how Ine – Mari reenergised after the training and the tournament (think, a hidden cabin in the middle of nowhere!) The exciting October tournament for the Spar Proteas when they head down under to take on Australia, and the senior role Ine – Mari now takes in the team. Sharing about her journey and passion for veterinary science, Ine – Mari reveals how professional netball did not seem to be her destiny until one day a call came and a decision had to be made. What is Ine – Mari looking forward to in the future after retirement? She drops this straight truth on the show. Tune in and get to know our shooter, front and centre.

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