Recent FP Georgia Adderley (2017 Leaver), does not turn 18 until January, but she has certainly hit great heights in her chosen sport of squash recently!
Whilst at MES Georgia was also a keen footballer, playing for her country at age-grade level, but she knew she had to make a decision between the two sports. Her single mindedness and talent are now helping her to make waves in the squash world.
Though squash was not part of the recent Youth Olympics in Argentina this October, Buenos Aires welcomed just under 4,000 of the world’s best young athletes from 206 nations and Georgia was invited along with some other young talents from around the world to showcase the sport. Providing crucial multi-sport experience for aspiring Olympians, the event no doubt inspired Team GB’s class of 2018.
On her return, Georgia, who is now studying sports science at Edinburgh University, said: “Being away in Buenos Aires was an incredible experience and was a fantastic chance to showcase squash. I really enjoyed being able to play in a brilliant venue and play against some of the best players in the world. It was exciting to see the way the sport looked and I hope this means we will be in the next Olympics.”
The experience was obviously a source of motivation and on her return, Georgia won the British Junior Championship at U19 level, her second title!
Last year Georgia became the first Scot to win a title at the showpiece age-grade event in nearly 25 years after beating England’s Alice Green in the U17 final. Of the British Championship Georgia said: “I had a solid game plan and to win my second title feels really cool. I can’t wait to defend the title next year.”
Then on Friday, 9 November Georgia was named 'Young Sportswoman of the Year' at the Scottish Women in Sport Awards, a fantastic achievement. Georgia thanked everyone for their support, especially her coach Paul Bell, everyone at Scottish Squash and, of course, her parents.
Having been a footballer in previous years, when asked what gives her the biggest buzz; scoring a goal or converting a match point in squash, Georgia pondered “…that is a tough one,”
“I never actually scored that many goals when I was playing football, so when they did hit the back of the net it was an amazing feeling. However, when you have been slogging it out against an opponent on the squash court and it has been a really tricky match to seal that match point is just as good!”
We look forward to seeing what 2019 holds for Georgia and wish her the best of luck.
Article from Gary Heatly
@G_HMedia
