Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
We want to use this opportunity where we have a bit more time on our hands to get to know you all a little bit better before getting back on the court!
This week we caught up with Imogen Winder, Goalball UK’s youngest fully qualified Official!
What is your hometown?
Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
How did you discover goalball?
I discovered goalball through my dad (Mark Winder). I began coming with him to work and to tournaments and was interested by the sport, so I got involved!
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
I take over my dad’s car radio with my Spotify playlist on the way to tournaments! My music taste is really quite mixed – I enjoy anything from The Beatles to Metallica, with a bit of Taylor Swift in between.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I always make sure I’m prepared before refereeing a match, for example: check I have my whistle, talk to the other referee and ensure they are ready too.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
A McDonald’s on the way home always goes down well!
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I admire all players, however as a referee I’m always looking to learn and therefore I particularly admire the officials who have taught me, specifically: Dina, Dani and Judith.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/ sports do you do?
After doing art at GCSE level, I have continued to enjoy painting and drawing at home, especially over lockdown. I also love watching films and spending time with my friends.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
It is on my bucket list to travel all over the world; however I would love to visit Italy (mainly for the pizza, but also because it looks beautiful).
