Steph Inglis

How I Started

I have loved Judo since I could walk! My father introduced me to the sport at a really young age! I finally joined his Judo club at the age of four which is when my love for the sport sprouted! I remember being so excited to begin training. It was always great to spend time with my father, we enjoyed the time we spent together training!

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games – winning Scotland’s first silver medal in the women’s u57kg category. This was the proudest moment of my sporting career and life. When I stood on the podium and received my medal and the Scottish crowd roared I just felt so happy that all the hard work, training and sacrifices I had done over years was absolutely worth it and I felt that this is where I belonged.

My Greatest Challenge

The first half of 2012 was very difficult. I was completing my final year at university – 4 modules = 4 essays and 4 exams along with completing my 15k word dissertation. It was also the Olympic year in London and I was trying to qualify. I spent my weeks juggling training and my studies and most weekends were spent travelling all over the World to compete for qualification points for the Olympics. I did not qualify for the Olympics which I was extremely disappointed about however I did gain my degree. I felt very burnout and demotivated so I took 1 month out of judo to recover. During that time I reflected on my judo career and felt I had not reached my full potential and wanted to get back into training full time and go after my goals. This was the best decision I made as two years later I won silver at Glasgow 2014 and picked up numerous World Cup medals.

It is OK to fail or burn out at something, take time to reflect and set out a plan (which will have to be flexible as it may change paths) but don’t give up on what you want. Speak with your coaches and family, hit refresh and keep doing your best because even if it doesn’t go to plan, you will be happy knowing within yourself that you gave it your all.

My hobbies

My favourite food is anything spicy!! I love going to Nandos and ordering extra hot chicken thighs! I also love chocolate because who doesn’t!? My favourite hobbies including cooking, walking, listening to podcasts and planning my next holiday to Disney World Orlando.

My Goal

My goal is to be the fittest, happiest and healthiest version of myself. I also want to help as many other people as I can to also become their fittest, happiest and healthiest selves. We don’t know what lies ahead of us but whatever that my be, being fit and healthy will give us a head start!!

I also want to inspire the future generation to go after their dreams no matter what that is – a future Olympic Champion, a pilot, a teacher etc. I want to show them how to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles that they could encounter and never give up on what they want out of their life.