Guest speakers and attendees have hailed the latest Athlete Advancement Series (AAS) event, held by the Women’s Sports Alliance x HalfSpace, at adidas’ UK headquarters.
England and Everton forward Toni Duggan was among those interviewed on stage by WSA Founder Jordan Guard, during a fascinating day of discussion and debate.
Other athletes who revealed captivating stories about their respective successes and struggles as elite sportswomen during a Q&A session were World champion Bianca Walkden, Paralympic gold medallist Lauren Rowles and double Olympian Jazmin Sawyers.
Leading sports agent Jane Cowmeadow and Guinness brand leader Sara Griffiths also gave invaluable insights into their industries and provided “invaluable” advice to audience members who were made up of both established elite and junior development athletes.
The WSA would like to thank those who attended this exclusive event as well as hosting partners adidas for their invaluable contributions to the third – and “greatest yet” – edition of the Athlete Advancement Series.
Here are just a sample of the reactions from those who took part in the Athlete Advancement Series 3.0. We look forward to welcoming them and many others back for the fourth edition in 2023.
Olympic, World and European curling champion, Eve Muirhead:
“I think I’ve heard from quite a few athletes here who wished something like this existed years ago! she told the WSA.
“I certainly found – even now I’m retired – it was so interesting to hear how other athletes deal with major brands, get agents and the whole process, so it was definitely a day I’ll take a lot from and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
England international and Everton forward, Toni Duggan (adidas athlete):
“I think it was really nice that you can share experiences with other female athletes and it’s good to give them the opportunities to ask some questions as well about things on the pitch and off the pitch,” she told the WSA.
“There’s a long way to go still in women’s sport, but there’s also the opportunities that we’ve had I’m so thankful for at the minute.”
Three-time World Taekwondo champion, Bianca Walkden (adidas athlete):
“These events are so important because you get to hear people’s stories and ask questions,” she told the WSA. “Understanding how the agencies and industry works is fascinating and I wish I’d had the answers to when I was younger.”
“adidas is great at doing hosting events like this and that’s why I’ll always be delighted to help out at these events because I love to be involved and listen to people’s stories, learn from them but also share my story and hopefully help other athletes too.”
Paralympic, World and European canoeing champion, Laura Sugar:
“I really enjoyed it and felt really inspired to be in a room with loads of like-minded women and female sport stars,” she told the WSA.
“It’s great to have panels to ask questions about things you’re not usually able to ask and you sometimes feel like you’re the only one with those questions, so a big sense of community but it was also lovely to meet people in person.”
Double English champion shooter, Ruth Mwandumba:
“I really liked the venue and being able to speak to people from the industry, especially when it comes to navigating the world of agencies and sponsorships because for most athletes it’s something we really need, but don’t know a lot about,” she told the WSA.
“It was also great to hear from other athletes who have been through the same kind of thing and get advice from them so we know what we need to do, to be in their position.”