Volleyball England Foundation

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Building on her mental strength and working on striving for excellence - Lucy Wicks London 2012 Olympics

1. How were you first introduced to Volleyball?

My older sister started playing and eventually invited me along to give it a go. I immediately fell in love with the sport and never looked back. I was lucky to live in Poole so I started playing with Wessex Volleyball Club who are brilliant at junior development. 


2. What was the most difficult skill to master on court?

That's a tough one, the list is long. 

From a technical side, probably the "c". The quick ball behind my head. I was never a fan of that one.

The mental aspect of the game was something that I needed to work on a lot and I did. Building on my mental strength and working on striving for excellence and not perfection helped my game loads but also had major positive influences in my personal life in general. 

3. What makes you most proud of our Volleyball Family?

The resilience. It's never been an easy ride for volleyball, being a development sport, especially when it comes to funding. But we never give up. There are always people working hard behind the scenes to keep the sport going at all levels. 

4. What was your greatest Volleyball achievement?

Being selected for and competing at London 2012. It was a once in a life time achievement. And, yes, we were lucky as we got a wild card. But once there we achieved our goal.....to win at least one game. And at an Olympic Games that's no easy feat.

5. What are you missing most during the lockdown?

My family. I live in Germany with my husband and children but my parents and older sister live in the UK and my younger sister lives in New Zealand. We have no idea when travel will be possible and when we will be able to see each other again. That's tough not knowing. I've lived here for over 10 years but I have never felt far away from my family until this year. 

6. What are you looking forward to most once the lockdown is over?

Seeing my parents and being able to give them a hug. 

Friends from London 2012

Thank you Lucy.