Sporting schooldays


Lauren Price talks exclusively


I don’t particularly have any... maybe the only thing was how competitive I was. I was so driven and in school teams, some people were playing for fun – that’s fine, of course, but at times it would do my head in.


What other sports did you play and to what standard?


I played football for boys’ teams until I was 14, then played for Cardiff City’s girls’ team.


I won my Wales U16, U17 and U19 caps in the same season when I was 14 and went on to captain Wales U19s, then won my first senior cap aged 16. I played 52 times for the senior Wales Women team. At that time, I was kickboxing as well. I was quite big for my age, so I was fighting against adults aged twelve. I became World, European and British champion but I couldn’t keep up two sports because of the risk of injury. I saw boxing as an opportunity and I went for it. Savannah Marshall won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games when I won bronze and I beat her in Spain later that year. That was a big turning point – she had been to the Olympics and won World Championships, so it gave me the belief I could do the same. At the start of 2017, I got on to the GB squad and I’m now ranked world number one. I’ve won Commonwealth, European and World Championship titles and now my dream is an Olympic gold medal.


Who were your most inspirational sports teachers?


Melanie Owen, who is now Melanie Davies as she is married to Grant Davies, another of my inspirational teachers. I was really close to them and Jess Price, my other PE teacher. Melanie was the one who would chuck me into anything and everything, which I’m really grateful for. I am still close to


them now and they always send me good luck messages ahead of competitions.


How important is it for you to be a role model for youngsters?


Massively. It’s all about inspiring the next generation. I have given talks at quite a few schools, including my own, to tell my story. To me, if you have your heart set on something – in sport or otherwise – and work hard with the right support behind you, you can achieve anything.


What’s the best advice about sport you were given when you were young?


My nan and grandad never pushed me into anything or forced me to do anything but they were so supportive. My nan used to say ‘aim for the moon and if you fall short, you’ll hit the stars.’ That’s something that has always stuck with me. My grandad was very driven as well, cheering me on from the sidelines throughout my journey.


What advice would you give any young aspiring sports stars today?


The most important thing is having fun and enjoying it. If you’re good and you work hard, have dreams and you can make it. But it’s not all about the highest level. Sport is about making new friends and just getting involved. It helped massively with my schoolwork as well.


Were you ever told you weren’t going to be a success and how did you cope with that?


Everyone was always very supportive but there were regular reminders that my career could be over very quickly because of injuries. I worked hard and got eight GCSEs, which was important to me and which I was pleased


Pic courtesy of Sam Mellish


with because of balancing schoolwork with my sporting commitments.


Can you recall a memorable school report?


I enjoyed school a lot and always had good reports and parents’ evenings. There are certain lessons you naturally don’t enjoy but I was always respectful and did my work, and my attendance was good.


What advice did your careers advice officer give you?


They reminded me I had to have a back-up plan if sport didn’t work out for me. I would say I wanted to be a strength and conditioning coach or get involved with coaching generally – it would always have a sporting focus.


When was the last time you cried at a sporting event?


Probably the 2018 Commonwealth


Games when I won gold representing Wales. Standing at the top of the podium, with the national anthem playing, was such a proud moment for me.


What would you have been if you hadn’t been a sportsperson?


I would have looked into the route of being a gym instructor or strength and conditioning coach.


How important are schools in the development of sport and what can be done to improve sport in schools?


Sport is massively important in schools, and vice versa. I think there should be more sport in schools. I always used to want more PE lessons at school and it’s really important to have after school clubs as well. It can help build your confidence and your


Issue No.81 January/February/March 2021 SCHOOL SPORT 13


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