Bazza Banana:
Hi Rebecca it’s just fantastic to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me today. I was wondering why you think organised sport or exercise in general is so important?
Rebecca Rippon:
It is important because it is a great way to keep fit and healthy while having fun. It teaches so many different skills which help with sport and everyday life.
Bazza Banana:
Who has been the toughest opponent?
Rebecca Rippon:
I am my own toughest opponent because I have very high expectations of myself and I demand the very best at all times. If I do not reach above what I expect or demand then I believe I have not done my best.
Bazza Banana:
What about your worst injury?
Rebecca Rippon:
I have been quite lucky with injuries and have not sustained any which have prevented me from training or playing properly. The only injury I have had has been a broken hand which occurred during a training game.
Bazza Banana:
What do you think has been your biggest achievement in sport?
Rebecca Rippon:
My biggest achievement in sport has to be when I recently won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing. We came from 3 goals down to score in the dying seconds which took the game into over time and then into a penalty shoot out which we won!
Bazza Banana:
Have you ever had a losing streak?
Rebecca Rippon:
I have been on tours with my team in which we were not playing well and were being beaten by almost every team.
Bazza Banana:
How do you overcome these bad times?
Rebecca Rippon:
I have to go back to basic things to remember why I play. I think about the love I have for water polo and think about how I feel when we play well and win. Having positive thoughts like this helps me remember why I play and what we are capable of doing as a team. It makes me hungry to perform at that level again and turn around the disappointing results.
Bazza Banana:
What are your favourite fruits?
Rebecca Rippon:
I love watermelon, strawberries and grapes.
Bazza Banana:
What are you favourite vegetables?
Rebecca Rippon:
My favourite vegetables are pumpkin, cauliflower and beans.
Bazza Banana:
What is your favourite food in general?
Rebecca Rippon:
My favourite food is Lebanese food. It includes lots of meat, vegetables and lentils.
Bazza Banana:
If you hadn’t turned out to be such a legend athlete, what do you think you would have chosen as a career?
Rebecca Rippon:
I would probably have done something that still involves sport and exercise as I have a great love and passion for it. Maybe a PE teacher/coach or something similar.
Bazza Banana:
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Rebecca Rippon:
I love going to the beach, the movies and going out to eat with friends.
Bazza Banana:
Who is your hero?
Rebecca Rippon:
I really look up to Grant Hackett. I love his attitude and his work ethic that has made him become so successful.
Bazza Banana:
Do you have any nicknames?
Rebecca Rippon:
I have a few nicknames from many different people. They include Bec, Beccy, four (4) and Mike.
Bazza Banana:
What do you think is the best thing about playing sport?
Rebecca Rippon:
To me the best thing about playing sport is pushing myself to achieve my own personal goals while enjoying myself.
Bazza Banana:
What is your favourite motto?
Rebecca Rippon:
I like the motto “reach for the moon. Even if you fall short you may land among the stars” It shows that if you always aim high, even if you don’t achieve that actual goal you can still be a high achiever and have given your best in trying to get there. |
