PLAYER PROFILE - JO GOODE
Jo Goode,
started playing Badminton at 10 years of age having been taken to her parent's
badminton club in Bognor Regis. During her illustrious career Jo won seven
Commonwealth Games Gold Medals, a World Junior Mixed Gold, a World Mixed Doubles
Silver, two All England Mixed Doubles titles, a European Ladies Doubles Gold,
and a Bronze Medal in the Mixed Doubles at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000,
along with 10 National titles. In October 2004, Jo was awarded an M.B.E for her
services to the sport.
This year's Commonwealth Games marks the fourth anniversary since winning two
Gold Medals and the announcement of your retirement. Have you missed playing
during these past four years?
I gave badminton everything I
could. I won enough to have made it all worthwhile but there is a time to finish
and the Commonwealth Games was the time and place for me. I don't like flying so
not having to get in a plane every week is a real bonus. I do not miss pushing
my mind and body every day but I do miss the players and the competition.
Do you have any current involvement in badminton?
I have in the past got
involved with the World Class Programme but the regular commitment was difficult
to keep up. However, I help Bill and Nick (Goode) with the Ashaway Badminton
Academy at the Hertfordshire Sports Village. Their sessions are fantastic, lots
of enthusiastic children and parents at one of the best facilities in the
country.
Do you play any other sports now?
I play tennis at the local
village club which fits in with a drink down the local afterwards. Most days I
go running with friends. Last year I ran a 5k, 10k and the 10 mile Great
Southern Run. I have also taken up yoga and pilates which has greatly helped my
back. For years I've wanted to go skiing but as a professional athlete that was
not possible. However this year the family are off to the Alps and I can't wait!
You are married to Andy, former National Champion and Olympic Manager. Do you
ever play badminton as a family?
Not that often as two of our
children are a bit young. Andy always claims to have a bad shoulder and cleverly
delegates the coaching to Bill, Nick and myself.
So what is a typical day for you?
As you might expect with
three children it starts early. The youngest Harry wakes me at 6 o'clock and
from then on its 2 hours of breakfast, packed lunches, dressing and tooth
brushing. I feel tired thinking about it. With the 2 eldest at school full time
and the youngest at play group until 12 o'clock I generally catch up with house
chores.
What sports do your children play?
Jack the eldest goes to his
Grandad's badminton coaching on Saturday mornings but has really taken to
cricket. Molly is into ballet and Barbies. Harry is only two and a half years
old but he is a very big boy and left handed. Growing up with an older brother
and sister, as I found out being the youngest of five, has helped him develop
very quickly. He is very good at football and hitting golf balls.
Would you like to see your children follow a career in professional/competitive
sport like Andy and yourself?
I like to see them play sport
because I believe it is good for their physical and social development but I see
no benefit in pushing them into competitive sport. I am sure they will decide if
it is for them. The desire to pursue a professional sport career has to come
from within. It's hard and you have to have a real desire to choose sport as a
career. I recently gave a talk at a secondary school to sixth formers. A lot of
the pupils would love to pursue a pro sport career but its difficult to get
across what full commitment really means. It's a well-used phrase but nearly
good enough is not good enough in professional sport.
What advice would you give to young badminton players thinking about a full time
career in badminton?
Firstly, to have no
illusions, professional sport is hard. Secondly, be honest about your strengths
and weaknesses. All too often, even at a quite high level, I see players
practice the things they are good at but not the weaker areas.
So what would you like to be doing in five years from now?
I have always been fortunate
in knowing exactly what I wanted to do and the next five years is no exception.
As the children become more independent I will go back to university to become a
qualified primary school teacher. I have done some days at a local school and I
am under no illusions that it could be my biggest challenge yet!
BADMINTONMAGAZINE March 2006 I 13
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