SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

My Early Foray into Sports

As a kid, I tried a raft of sports. Shotputt, discus, javelin… all were deemed a tad dangerous for anyone in my immediate vicinity. Eventually, I scored a place on the primary school’s girl’s football team, where I found my calling as a goalie. I always thought I’d be best out on the field, but again, it was decided that it was safer if I was tucked away in goals. Some nonsense about a wild-eyed obsession for chasing the ball like a crazed terrier.

Hockey Days

By the time I was in high school, I traded football for hockey and ice hockey on the weekends. For some unknown reason ?, I found myself back in goals and oddly at home.

Geeky Alert: If you ever watch the 1980 movie Gregory’s Girl, you’ll see the primary and high schools I played for. (And the glen I used to run in.)

Aberdeenshire Running

During my high school years, my family moved to the beautiful coast of Aberdeenshire. Before the move, I’d taken part in a few cross-country runs. I loved the solitary high-speed exploration of the woodlands, and when approached by my new PE teacher to run cross-country for my new school, I jumped at the opportunity to fast-track my learning of my new home.

I didn’t win any medals. I didn’t come in last. But I did have a great time learning my way around Aberdeenshire’s many beauty spots.

Beachside Endeavours

Being so close to numerous beautiful beaches, I inevitably toyed with the idea of surfing. Time and money held me back until I joined the Navy. I opted for body boarding and bar a few run-ins with hidden rocks, I was pretty good at it. I fell madly in love with the sport, finding any excuse to hit the beach. I’d drive there in Tasmin with my wetsuit already on, the excitement thrumming through me as I crested the hill, eager to see the swell.

Adapting to Change

However, life threw a curveball with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) when I was twenty-one, and active sports became a part of my past. Yet, the joy I used to find in the sports I used to play isn’t lost. I get that same exhilaration and freedom whenever I head out on my bike.

The Jinx

As for watching sports… I don’t. I’m a jinx. Whenever I watch a Scotland game—it doesn’t matter if it’s men’s or women’s football, rugby, or curling—we lose! So, to help Scotland win, I wait until the next day before I even consider seeing the score. It hasn’t failed yet!

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So, are you a jinx or good luck for your favourite teams? Let me know in the comments.