Girls Only Project: Recent Episodes
Girls Only Project
A podcast about all things women in sport. We share athletes stories from around the world as well as tackle the real issues girls and women face, be it body image, mental health or inequality.
Naomy Grand’Pierre is a Haitian swimmer who made history as the first female swimmer to represent Haiti in the Olympic Games.
Naomy and I chat about the pressure that comes with being an Olympic athlete before, during and after competing at the Olympic Games.
Naomy opens up about her mental health journey and gets me to open up as well!
Please continue to follow Naomy as she helps to grow the the sport of swimming in Haiti:
Website: www.naomygrandpierre.com
Instagram: @naomyhgp
Cynthia is a Belgium sprinter who lives by the saying "if you put your mind to it you can do anything".
I chatted to Cynthia about a lot of the challenges she has faced, not only in her sport but also culturally. She stands by her motto and truly has not let anything get in her way, keeping her mind set on her goals!
Cynthia has such a great outlook on life and is determined to not let anything stop her from what she wants to achieve.
Please continue to follow Cynthia's journey:
Insta: @cynthia_bolingo
Beitske Visser is a Dutch racing driver. She has raced in kart, single-seater, GT and prototype series.
Being an athlete in male dominated sport has definitely had its challenges, but speaking to Bietske she hasn't let anything stand in her way and is paving the way for women in motor sport.
Insta:
@bietskevisser
Jasmin is a former American track and field athlete who competed in the 100m hurdles.
Jasmin has seen some pretty tough times in her career and had to make some hard decisions that brought her career to an end because of things out of her control.
She has managed to find the positive in these challenges and continues to follow her passion in nutrition and helping others to achieve their goals.
Insta:
@missjazzy4
Banele Shabangu is the reigning South African 200m sprint national champion and is now ready to make the step up after she was promoted to the senior ranks.
Banele oozes positivity as she speaks about her ambition to dominate the domestic athletics tracks and conquer the world. She is extremely focused on her goals and what she wants to achieve and has certainly taken the opportunities provided to her and made the most of them.
Follow Banele as she continues to dominate the track and field world:
Instagram: @banele_shabz
Beatrice Masilingi is a Namibian sprinter. At the age of 18, she placed sixth in the women's 200 metres at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, having made the final along with fellow Namibian sprinter and eventual silver medallist Christine Mboma.
It was great to catch up with Beatrice and see how her life has changed at such a young age with so much focus now on her athletic career.
Beatrice is a confident young women who stands up for what she believes in and doesn't allow anything to get her down, from injuries to what others think. Beatrice is confident in her goals and what it will take to achieve them.
Continue to follow Beatrice on her journey:
Instagram: @beatrice_masilingi
Dr. Seun Adigun, is a Nigerian bobsledder, and track and field runner who specializes in the 100m Hurdles. She competed at the 20212 Summer Olympics. In 2016, Adigun founded the NIgerian bobsled team. She represented Nigeria at the 2018 Winter Olympics in two-women bobseld, becoming part of the first-ever Winter Olympians from the country. Dr. Seun is the first ever Summer & Winter Olympian for the continent of Africa.
Dr Seun took great interest in the how the body works and wanted to understand it for herself and help other athletes to better understand their own bodies and therefore also holds quite a few academic accolades: (all this before the age of 30)
- B.S in Kinesiology - Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology (University of Houston)
- M.Ed in Physical Education - Motor Behavior (University of Houston)
- M.S in Exercise & Health Sciences with a concentration in Fitness and Human Performance (University of Houston - Clear Lake)
- B.S in Human Biology (Texas Chiropractic College)
- Doctorate of Chiropractic (Texas Chiropractic College)
Dr. Seun currently treats professional and elite athletes as a chiropractor and biomechanist.
It was fantastic to get some insight into Dr Seun's mind and what motivates her to push the boundaries.
Please take a listen to her Ted Talk to gain some more insight into some of the things we spoke about: Conquer The Fear of The Unknown
Continue to follow Dr Adigun on her Instagram and check out her webiste:
Insatgram: seun_msamazing
Website: https://seunadigun.com/
Zinhle is a Springbok rugby player, both in 15's and 7's. She is also a firefighter at the King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
We spoke about the obstacles Zinhle faced as a child growing up in the township and how she used rugby to distract herself from what was going on around her. She used rugby as a way out and followed her passion and her dream to achieve her goals.
Zinhle has worked hard to ensure both herself and her family are looked after and to ensure she can do this needed to take a job. Her role as a firefighter is something she speaks passionately about and enjoys as she says that it mirrors aspects of playing in a team and feels she can draw from both to continue to progress and improve!
It was great to hear Zinhle's passion for not only her Rugby and Firefighting but also for life and living to the fullest!
Please continue to follow Zinhle on her journey:
Instagram: @zinhlendawonde
Emily is an Ultra Trail runner. She originally was interested in Cross Country running and even spent some time in the pool as well as doing Triathlon. She eventually found herself on the trails and hasn't looked backed!
We chat about her passion for the trail and outdoors as well as the issues surrounding safety on the trails specifically for woman.
It was great to chat to Em, it hasn't always been easy for her, but she has an amazing never quit attitude and zest for life we can all learn from!
Please continue to follow Em on her trail running Journey:
Insta: @emilyhawgood
Bree is an Australian bobsledder. She started her a career on the athletics track but made the transition to bobsled in 2016.
Bree has really made a name for herself as a bobsledder with her recent 5th place at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the Monobob event.
Bree has a never quit attitude and has done whatever it takes to attain her goals.
She is also passionate about providing mentorship and support to younger athletes.
Please continue to follow Bree on her Journey as she builds to the 2026 Winter Olympics:
Instagram: @bobsledbree
Sarah is a Canadian competitive sailor. She is the reigning Pan American Champion in the Laser Radial event and also competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo where she placed 6th.
Not only is Sarah an exceptional sailor but she is also passionate about female representation in sport as well as the importance of mental health.
It was great to chat to Sarah about the ups and downs of her career so far, how she has grown as both an athlete and person and continues to pave the way and inspire those following in her footsteps.
Please follow Sarah as she prepares for 2024 Olympic Games:
Insta: sarahdouglas_
Blog: www.sarahdouglassailing.com
Caradh is a former World and European Champion kickboxer. After a successful career in the sport she made the switch to karate in 2017 working towards representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympic Games. She unfortunately decided to retire before making it to the Games.
Caradh is passionate about equality in sport and giving athletes a voice, and is a member of the Global Athlete Start Up Group (www.globalathlete.org) and an ambassador for Equity Sport (www.equitysport.org).
What an incredible and eye opening conversation, Caradh has been extremely brave in speaking out for what she believes in and her passion for doing what is right for the athlete can be heard in the way she speaks and seen in the work she is doing!
For more info I have given access to websites above!
If you are an Athlete and feel you don't have a voice, please listen to what Caradh says, you are not alone!
Lucy has represented Australia in Junior, U21 and Open Australian teams for Polocrosse.
Together with her family, Lucy owns and operates Berragoon Australian Stock Horse Stud: a reproduction facility for breeding horses. Berragoon was established by Lucy’s grandmother in 1974.
Lucy is the host of Girl Talk, offering unique Polocrosse workshops aimed to enrich young girls lives and aid them to be their happiest and healthiest selves. And also works as a Graphic and Web Designer.
It was great to chat to Lucy about her passions and the work she is doing in mentoring and guiding young woman playing polocrosse!
To continue to follow Lucy as well as her Girl Talk project please visit her website below:
http://www.polocrosse365.com.au/gtid-girl-talk-in-depth/
Katie is a former competitive synchronised swimmer, now a Dietician Nutritionist working with athletes current and retired to support them in their relationship with food.
We cover so many topics in this podcast; retirement, transition struggles, identity struggles, body image struggles, relationship with food and a few others!
Katie has experienced all of the above and it feels like you can really relate with what she has to say!
She is passionate about supporting athletes in so many ways and is certainly making an impact and a difference in some of the equality and athlete support struggles we are still experiencing.
To learn more about what Katie does please check out her website:
www.spadastrongnutrition.com/work-with-me
Lia Neal is an American competitive swimmer who specializes in freestyle events.
In her Olympic debut at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, she won a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. In 2016, she won a silver medal in the same event at Rio de Janeiro.
Lia speaks to me about her decision to retire, life after swimming and most importantly the impact she has had and is having on up and coming black female swimmers wanting to follow in her footsteps!
Please continue to follow Lia on her journey and what she is doing to inspire the next generation:
@lia_neal
Caitlin is an SA and Olympic Gymnast having just competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Caitlin made history in that she was the first SA gymnast of colour to qualify for the Olympic Games. Her training partner Naveen Daries also later qualified for the Olympic Games, both of them paving the way for the future of Gymnastics in South Africa.
Caitlin struggled with quite a few injuries but this never stopped her form pursuing and reaching her dreams and goals!
We chat around what it has meant to her to be the first gymnast of colour to qualify for the games, mental health and the current unhealthy and abusive environment that can be seen inside of some gymnastic teams.
Please continue to follow and support Caitlin as her journey on the mat continues:
Instagram: @caitrooskrantz
Jax is a SA Polocrosse player and was the youngest member of the 2019 SA World cup side.
Jax started playing Polocrosse at a young age and made her first senior side at 16yrs old!
Jax is a young, vibrant, confident and determined player!
She knows what her goals are and is willing to do anything to achieve them! Was great to chat to Jax and hear about her journey so far in this incredible sport!
To continue to follow Jax on her journey and see what she has been up to please follow her on Instagram: @jaxminnaar8
Janice Josephs is a South African Heptathlete turned long jumper.
She finished nineteenth at the 2004 Olympic Games and fifth at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. On the regional level she won a silver medal at the 2004 African Championships and the gold at the 2006 African Championships. She finished eighth at the 2008 Indoor World Championships and won another gold medal at the 2008 African Championships.
Janice also spent some time training with the SA Women's 7's rugby team in 2015 and is now working for CoolPay an NGO that has the vision to equip children with the skills needed to manage the complexities, demands and pressures of everyday life.
Janice shares some of the struggles she had to get to the top of her sport and how she used them as motivation to achieve her goals!
Feeling so privileged to have spoken to netball Superstar Karla Mostert.
Karla has such a positive outlook on everything and has worked super hard to get to where she is today!
I spoke to Karla about some of the challenges she has faced and is still facing in pursuing her Netball career.
She is such a fantastic and inspiring role model and can hold her head high with the way she has tackled and continues to tackle the challenges she faces.
Please continue to follow Karla:
Instagram: @mostertkarlaa
Christie is a 2 x Dusi Canoe Marathon Champion - one of the premier canoe marathons in the world- and a Canoe Marathon Championship bronze medalist.
Currently studying her honours in psychology, Christie see's the importance of the mental aspects of sport and how important it is to train both the mind and body. I chatted to her about the importance of being able to balance life, academics and sport all at the same time - as well as the struggles she faces in a poorly funded sport.
Please continue to follow Christie on her journey:
Instagram: @christiejomackenzie
KG didn't have it easy and followed a different Journey to most, taking part in a sport she knew very little about, but she is loving her journey and I know we have only just seen the beginning of many success's ahead for her!
KG has participated in 3 Paralympics and many many Grand slam tournaments! She is currently ranked No 1 in Africa, 5th in singles in the World Ranking and 6th in doubles in the World Ranking!
Her positivity and enthusiasm shines through when she speaks and I am truly as excited as she is to see what she can still achieve!
Please continue to follow KG on her Journey:
Instagram: @kgmontjane1
Katie Hoff is a former American competitive swimmer, she is an Olympic medalist, and former world record-holder. Katie was known for her success in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley.
She swam at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, winning a Silver medal and 2 Bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!
Katie entered the pool at a young age and went to her first Olympics when she was just 15yrs old. Katie didn't have the easiest career and had a lot to deal with as she dealt with not feeling like she met and achieved her own expectations!
Katie gives some great advice and insight as to how she dealt with her disappointment.
If you would like to continue to follow Katies new journey outside of the pool, please follow her here:
Instagram: @kthoff7
Sage Watson is a Canadian athlete specialising in the 400 metres hurdles. Competing internationally for Canada, she is the reigning Pan American champion in the 400 m hurdles, having also won Pan American medals in 2015 and 2019 as part of Canada's relay team. Sage made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 where she advanced to the semifinals of the 400m hurdles and anchored Canada to a fourth-place finish in the 4x400m relay.
Sage is also very passionate about the representation of women in sport and how important it is for her to be a great role model for the younger generation!
We had such a great chat about a variety of things, sport and non sport related!
To continue to follow Sage:
Instagram: @sagewatson
What a privilege to be able to chat to Toni about her journey so far!
Toni shared what it is like to struggle with our identity and who we are when we loose the thing that we love the most. We speak about vulnerability and the struggle of speaking out about emotions and feelings.
Toni has some exciting goals ahead and we looking forward to seeing where she goes, no doubt she will achieve great things going forward!
Please also watch this amazing movie Toni put together showcasing her journey through lockdown, so many of us can relate to what Toni was going through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siMop_5C6as
Please continue to follow Toni as she rocks the trail running world:
Instagram: @tonimccann
Heather Clark is one of South Africa's most decorated surfers ever, and was a true trailblazer and pioneer for women's surfing.
Over her 14 year professional career (including 8 years on the World Championship Tour which was comprised of the top 16 surfers in the world) she won numerous titles, and is still the only South African, man or woman, to win the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. She is also double World Master Surfing champion, 8 x South African Open Champion and 4 x South African Masters Champion.
In this episode she talks about the ups and downs of her journey and the fight for equality in women's surfing. Heather is a true legend of the sport and has valuable insights for all women in sport.
Follow her on Instagram @heatherclarksurfadventures
Wenda Nel is a 400m South African Hurdler.
Wenda has been a professional athlete for over 12 years and has some impressive achievements during this time! She competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, won a Bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and is a multiple South African and African champion.
Wenda speaks about her career and her passion and joy she finds in Athletics. She has great advice for up and coming athletes and really wants to give back once she has finished competing.
Wenda is so down to earth and humble about her achievements, it was great chatting to her and learning more about what drives her and keeps her motivated 12 years on!
Please follow Wenda as she continues to prepare for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games:
Instagram: wendanel27
Kirsten tells us about her epic career so far being the first African women to complete the Dakar Rally!
Kirsten has overcome some tough times and has some great advice for those youngsters coming up in the bike racing scene.
Please continue to follow Kirstens journey as she continues to blaze the trail for women athletes all over the world - showing us that nothing is impossible!
Follow Kirsten Here:
Website: https://www.kirstenlandman.com/about-kirsten-landman/
Instagram: kirstlandman
Natalie Rudman is an eight-time South African freediving record holder who teaches freediving and yoga that is specifically aimed towards helping you with freediving.
Natalie shared her amazing journey and story with me!
she has overcome many obstacles and found her happy place in the ocean!
Natalie has some awesome advice to give and her journey is truly inspirational!
Follow Natalie here:
Instagram: @freedive_yoga
Zintle is the SA Women's Rugby 7's team captain.
Zintle also played cricket and rugby for Border.
Zintle has had to make some tough decisions in her career but has always stuck to her gut and followed her dream!
Zintle had some great insight into women's sport and also left us with some great advice!
Follow Zintle and her team as they prepare for Tokyo 2021:
Instagram: zintle_mpupha
Caroline has an extensive list of achievements! To name a few she was NCAA swimmer of the year in 2008, broke the oldest standing NCAA record in the 500 yard freestyle. During her 4 year varsity career she received 23 All American Honours and of course she won an Olympic Bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Caroline has had her own journey in the pool as well as out of the pool and it was great to hear more about her journey through swimming and what she has experienced since!
She has some amazing advice and insight and was just great to get her perspective on so many challenging and important topics in sport and life in general!
Caroline has been doing some great work by founding Rise Athlete's! We chat about this in the podcast and please see the link below to learn more about this amazing project!
Please continue to follow Caroline and her amazing projects:
Instagram: @caroburckle
Instagram: @riseathletes
Instagram: @caros_designs
Website: carolineburckle.com
Website: linktr.ee/riseathletes
Iris is a former Dutch professional road cyclist and Dutch National Champion.
Iris is a strong advocate for equality in road cycling and has been doing some amazing work within women's cycling to help achieve the equality we all want to see! She is the co-founder of The Cyclist's Alliance!
On top of all this Iris has used her passion for design to create her own cycling apparel range.
Iris is doing some amazing work and gives some great advice on a few topics close to her heart!
To follow Iris and see what she is up to please see links below:
Facebook: Iris Slappendel (she has both a personal and athlete page)
Instagram: @i_ris.cc
Instagram: @irisslappendel
Instagram: @thecyclistalliance
Website: www.irisslappendel.com
Website: www.i-ris.cc
Sarah Ferguson started off swimming in the pool but has since transitioned to open water and has not only swum the challenging Kaiwi Channel in Hawaii, but also holds the Guinness World Record for being the FIRST PERSON EVER to swim non-stop around Easter Island!
Along with her amazing swimming triumphs Sarah is also the founder of Breathe conservation and runs her own physiotherapy practice.
It was amazing chatting to Sarah and hearing her story - she was so open and honest about her challenges as well as her triumphs and gave some great advice about making sure you are always taking the time to enjoy what you are doing!
Sarah also told me about her Journey with Covid-19...
Here is where to follow Sarah as she continues on her Journey:
Facebook: Sarah Ferguson
Facebook: Breathe Ocean Conservation (BreatheOcean1)
Instagram: sarahfergusonza
Instagram: @breatheocean1
Twitter: @SarahFergusonZA
Twitter: @BreatheOcean1
Website: https://breatheconservation.org/
Kirsten Van Heerden speaks to our host Lee Persse!
She shares her journey to 2 Olympic Games as well as life after and her journey with the transition out of rowing.
Lee has important things to say about Mental Health and is passionate about sharing her story with others and helping others going through similar struggles.
Follow Lee on the following platforms:
Instagram: @leepersse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.persse
Twitter: @leepersse
Kirsten Van Heerden speaks to our host Lee Persse!
She shares her journey to 2 Olympic Games as well as life after and her journey with the transition out of rowing.
Lee has important things to say about Mental Health and is passionate about sharing her story with others and helping others going through similar struggles.
Follow Lee on the following platforms:
Instagram: @leepersse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.persse
Twitter: @leepersse
It's not everyday you get to chat to one of the top trail runners in the world!
Meg is such an inspiration and gives some great advice and insight into failure and not letting it get you down or define you as a person.
Meg is a great role model and speaks about the belief, passion and love she has for her sport and that's what keeps her going!
Meg has already achieved so much and has some exciting goals for the future, we can't wait to see where Meg's journey takes her!
Please follow Meg as she continues to dominate the trail running world!
Instagram: @megmackenzie1
Website for coaching: www.therunproject.co.za
It was great to catch up with SA Netball star Sigi Burger!
Even with the serious injuries she has faced, Sigi has managed to stay positive and motivated to continue to reach her goals!
Listen to hat she has to say about over coming dissapointment and staying motivated to achieve your goals!
Please follow Sigi as she continues to dominate the Netball Court:
Instagram: @sigiburger
Facebook: Sigi Burger
After the amazing result from the SA Women's cricket team at the recent Cricket World Cup it was great to chat to Sinalo Jafta.
Sinalo never let anyone tell her she can't do something and has always been determined to prove people who don't believe in her wrong!
I spoke to Sinalo about her journey through mental health and why she believes it is so important to make sure you are working on keeping mentally fit and strong.
Sinalo gives some great advice to the youth - so listen up if you are needing some inspiration!
Sinalo has some great aspirations for the future both in cricket and the working world and we can't wait to see where her journey takes her.
You can follow Sinalo and her journey here:
Instagram: @jaffie_10
Facebook: Sinalo Jafta
Twitter: @jafs22
Alice Mayne is not only a very good friend of mine, but also rowed for the French National team for many years. Alice and I were not only competitors but also team mates and I really enjoyed catching up with her. We speak about the importance of mental health and how it can impact your sport as well as your self confidence. We also chat about retirement from sport which is something both of us have taken some time to adjust to our new lives outside of rowing.
Alice is now a personal trainer and coach helping to empower others to feel good about their bodies, health and minds!
To keep following Alices journey see links below:
Instagram: Alice.mayne
Facebook: Alice Louise Sophia
Alice Mayne is not only a very good friend of mine, but also rowed for the French National team for many years. Alice and I were not only competitors but also team mates and I really enjoyed catching up with her. We speak about the importance of mental health and how it can impact your sport as well as your self confidence. We also chat about retirement from sport which is something both of us have taken some time to adjust to our new lives outside of rowing.
Alice is now a personal trainer and coach helping to empower others to feel good about their bodies, health and minds!
To keep following Alices journey see links below:
Instagram: Alice.mayne
Facebook: Alice Louise Sophia
Was great to chat to ultra-marathon runner Jenna Challenor about being a mom, wife and elite athlete and how she fits it all in!
Jenna has such a positive outlook on life and is so passionate about her running as well as her family! It can't be easy to juggle so many things at once but Jenna seem to be able to do it with ease!
Please follow Jenna on her running journey as she continues to reach for her goals!
Facebook: Jenna Challenor Athlete
Instagram: @jennachallie1
Twitter: @jennaChallie1
Website: http://www.jennachallenor.co.za
What an exciting podcast chatting to Sarah Harris not only about her own waterpolo journey both as an athlete and coach, but also hearing her thoughts on retirement and athlete transition, the adversity she had to overcome to achieve her goals and some tough decisions she had to make along the way.
Sarah's passion and determination not only for waterpolo but also for life shines through in this podcast and we are so grateful to have her share her journey with us!
Please follow Sarah as she continues her journey:
Instagram: @seriharris
Facebook: Seri Harris
Twitter: @seriharris
In these episode I chat to Gillian Sanders; SA triathlete and 2 time Olympian about how Covid-19 has impacted her training and build up to Tokyo 2020.
We also discuss the development of triathletes in South Africa and where she would like to see improvements.
Gill started started triathlon at a young age but then gave it a break to study and enjoy her student years! She picked it up again later on in life and has seen nothing but success - a true inspiration!
To follow Gill and her build up to Tokyo 2021 you can find her here:
Facebook: Gillian Curr Sanders
Instagram: @gilliancsanders
Twitter: @gillcurrsanders
South African Field Hockey Goalkeeper and Chartered Accountant, wonder women Phumelela Mbande chats to me about finding balance between work and sport as well as her struggles with Mental Health.
Phumz speaks so openly and honestly and if you are someone who has or is struggling with mental health whether in sport or life you don't want to miss this Podcast!
Absolutely loved this one! Not only did I get to catch up with an old and special friend and team mate, reminiscing on some good and not so good memories, but we also got to talk about some great topics concerning women in sport specifically connected to gender equality and equal pay in sport.
Hayls went through a rough time after not being selected for the London 2012 Olympics for rowing, but in an inspiring way she managed to turn it all around and go on to claim World Chapmion titles in both surfski and ocean paddling!
*Side note we do talk quite a bit of rowing;)
To follow Hayley's journey please find her social media handles below:
Instagram: @hayleszn
FB: Hayley-Jo Nixon
Twitter: @HaylesZN
On todays podcast I talk to Mona Pretorius de Lacey. Mona is one of the Girls Only Project ambassadors and a Bronze medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games for powerlifting.
We speak about body image and what it means to embrace your body no matter what other people say about it.
Mona also tells us about some of the amazing projects she is working on!
Follow Mona on social media:
Instagram: @powerfulpretorius
FB: Mona de Lacey
Website: https://powerfulpretorius.com
In our very first Girls Only Project podcast I talk to Dr Kirsten Van Heerden the founder of the Girls Only Project!
We discuss why she started the project, and the aims and goals of the project going forward. We also discuss her thoughts on the issues women in sport are facing and how she thinks we can change things to make a difference going forward!
Please be sure to follow Girls Only project:
Instagram: @girlsonlyproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Girls-Only-Project-226663657725758/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GOProject_SA
Website: https://girlsonlyproject.org