Guest Blog: Women in Sport – 22nd December 2018

Day Eight: 87 miles travelled, 612 miles remaining

Jenny has always had a passion for sport and for challenging herself to see just how far she can go, which is why she is the perfect ambassador for Women in Sport. The money that Jenny raises from her expedition will help Women in Sport’s work to ensure that all women and girls can experience the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.

Behind every successful woman, there is normally a career path that has included opportunities, achievements and ambition.

Growing up in Borneo, Jenny clearly had a taste for adventure, exploring the local rainforests as a child. Upon moving to Scotland, her sporting ability rose to a new level and by 13 she had joined the elite national swimming squad. At the time, Jenny was also enjoying basketball, netball and cricket.

Her love of physical activity didn’t just bring her sporting success, but it also paved the way for academic and professional accomplishment.

While at the University of Edinburgh, she took part in triathlons and half marathons, continually setting herself new goals and achieving them.

Women in Sport’s Sport for Success research, released in 2016, explored the link between being active and career advancement. The report reaffirmed the idea that playing sport can help women develop skills and qualities that are valuable for personal progression.

The charity’s report found that women who play regular sport are more motivated to achieve long-term goals. There are also certain skills that women attain while playing sport which play a role in helping them advance in the workplace.

These skills are the same traits that are required to take on life-changing challenges, such as trekking over 700 miles completely alone to the South Pole. A determined adventurer like Jenny is driven by these same characteristics: self-belief; integrity, assertiveness and a commitment to goals.

While the link between sporting success and career progression is true for both boys and girls, it appears that the relationship between academic performance and sport is stronger for girls. From a survey of 1,000 female business executives, it was found that almost half (48%) took part in sport/exercise once a month or more.

Jenny’s sporting experiences prepared her for the personal and professional challenges that she has faced and overcome. Now Jenny finds herself alone in the Antarctic striving to fulfil her biggest challenge yet, and everyone at Women in Sport is behind her every step of the way.

To help Jenny raise funds for Children in Need, click here or text ‘SPJD99 £3’ to 70070 to contribute £3.

Comment below for the chance to have Jenny answer your questions during her solo expedition to the South Pole.