This week we caught up with Antonia Bunyan!
What club do you play for or coach?
I play for RNC and I am also in the GB Women’s squad.
How did you discover goalball?
I first tried goaball at my junior school in York where a lady called Tracy Bellwood was working beside me in the classrooms. She organised a taster session at my junior school and then I was invited to my local club (based at York St John University).
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 don’t really have a particular song, but I do love listening to music before a tournament – especially with the GB ladies because we will always dance around the room and have a giggle! However, I do love all of Michael Jackson’s songs.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I have a small lucky A charm that my parents got me when I first started doing sports. I always make sure I bring it to every competition and will kiss the charm at the start of every day at a tournament.
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I love a home-made lasagne, but it can’t just be any old lasagne recipe! My favourite is my grandma’s recipe that is made in the true Italian way.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I admire Anna Tipton because when I first started in the GB squad, I remember seeing Anna and being in complete awe of her movement on court as well as the way she put herself across both on and off court. She truly inspired me to want to be a world-class player but also strive towards wanting a great successful career outside of goalball.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I enjoy going swimming when I’m not playing goalball, but I especially love painting and playing my guitar because I find both activities very relaxing. I love being creative whenever I can.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
I would love to go see the Cherry Blossom festival in Japan.
