CHRISTIE-MARIE WILLIAMS

Christie-Marie Williams (BSc Strength and Conditioning Class of 2017) is the North Wales Development Manager for Weightlifting Wales and has represented Wales in 3 Commonwealth Games including this year’s held in Birmingham, UK.

What was your time at USW like?

My time at USW went by very fast, I really enjoyed my course as it was all about sport and involved a lot of practical elements. USW were very supportive of me and my sport, they provided me with the tools and support I needed to complete my assignments and keep up to date with lectures while travelling and competing abroad. 

What are some of your career highlights?

My career highlights are 2x Commonwealth Games Athlete (Glasgow 2014 & Gold Coast 2018) I am hoping to gain selection for this year's Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, this would be a huge achievement for me as it would be my 3rd Games.

How can the sports industry be more inclusive?

I believe the industry is improving by providing opportunities that were not available beforehand, there are more community based sports and activities available and gyms are providing classes specific for youth, women, men and sports athletes. 

There needs to be more inclusivity at community level to encourage everyone to get involved in a healthier lifestyle by exercising, in whatever form that may be as the word 'sport' in itself can cause barriers for individuals to get involved.  

What is your favourite song to listen to prior to competing?

I don't have a specific song or playlist, It often changes! When I'm at the gym they play all sorts of music and I like to go with the flow. 

At my recent competition i had a variety in the playlist ranging from Stevie Nicks to Nickleback to Doja Cat, as long as there is a good beat and it makes me smile I am pretty content, when I'm on the platform there is no music it's just silent so i have to have to ability to motivate myself at that moment in time and not rely on a good beat.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge being a female athlete?

There was little opportunity when I was in primary school to participate in sport, girls were not able to play rugby or football and other stereotypical sports and a lot of the adults would agree, as the girls might get hurt. 

There is more opportunity for young girls to be able to participate in multiple sports from a young age (primary school age), by doing so encourages them to play sports and enjoy it. As they develop into teens they are able to be confident in their ability to play sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising.

If you could have dinner with two women, dead or alive, who would they be?

Tessa Sanderson 

I was around 10 years old when I started to throw the Javelin and I remember my mother telling me about Tessa Sanderson. How she was an incredibly strong woman who won a staggering amount of medals, my mother watched her when she was growing up. 

From this moment on she encouraged and motivated me to be this incredibly strong woman, that with determination and belief I could go on to do great things.

Kelly Holmes 

I don't know how many times I read 'My Olympic 10 days'. I remember watching Kelly at the Olympic Games and mam shouting at the tele too. It was incredible to watch and even though it was not the same event I did, it gave me so much inspiration and determination to keep going. 

Kelly has achieved so much since then, having such an impact on people's lives and providing opportunities for young people.