Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
This week we caught up with Reanne Racktoo!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play at Intermediate level for Blackburn.
How did you discover goalball?
I first played in PE lessons when I was at school (at St Vincent’s in Liverpool) and then when I went to study at RNC I started playing in tournaments. My first tournament was in Birmingham in October 2016, and I was the top female goal scorer!
Is there a particular song, artist, or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you are loving now?
I like rock music – songs like ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC and ‘Sweet child o’mine’ by Guns N’ Roses.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I usually put my right shoe on before my left shoe but, other than that, nothing significant.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
It has got to be a McDonalds! A 20-nugget share box (with my brother) and some fries.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Mohammed Salim Patel (aka Sal). I first met him at school, but I now play with him at Blackburn. He is really supportive both on and off the court. He always ‘checks in’ with you to see if you are doing OK.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I like football – I support Manchester United – and I played for England at the 1st ever IBSA Women’s Blind Football tournament in Austria in 2017. I used to do a lot of climbing. I first tried it when I was at school and competed for the GB Para climbing team at the World Championships in France as well as numerous other competitions. I also entered Britain’s Disabled Strongman Competition in 2018 and came 2nd. Now I am thinking about getting a bike, but I have not cycled for a long time, so my mum is worried that I will fall off! Away from sport, I like playing computer games, especially racing games – I have a racing steering wheel. I would love to have a go at one of the Speed of Sight Driving Days and have a go, for real, at driving. They have got some brilliant, modified buggies.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I have been skiing in Italy before and have recently been learning how to snowboard so would like to go somewhere when I can. Japan maybe?
