Magda with a mountainous landscape in the backgroundEach 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 Magda Skrzymowska, a regular Goalball UK Activator.

What is your hometown?

My hometown is Windsor (near London with the castle) and I’ve lived there my whole life but I’m currently studying Geography at the University of Birmingham so during term times for the last two years I have lived in Birmingham.

How did you discover goalball?

I first came across goalball when I was 12 at the London Paralympics, when we had Olympic Park day tickets so could walk into random events. So I was aware that the sport existed, but I first got involved in 2018 when Steve Cox came to my university’s freshers fair looking for volunteers. I went along to the November elite tournament in Birmingham and really enjoyed it, so I’ve been helping out when I can ever since.

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 wouldn’t say I listen to anything in particular and I usually just listen to the playlists that Spotify recommends me as I never get round to making my own! I never get tired of Bastille though.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?

No, I don’t really. Unless you count having to keep re-checking my emails, to make sure I’ve got the tournament start time right!

Do you have a favourite post-match meal?

Usually something quick like a pesto pasta or pizza when I’m hungry, I don’t have a particular favourite meal.

Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?

Having spent most of my time volunteering at the elite tournaments, I think all of the players are amazing and I couldn’t pick anyone in particular. I had a go at playing once and it’s so much harder than they make it look! Everyone in the goalball community is so welcoming and supportive, especially the officials who have taught me a lot about the technical side of the game.

Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?

At university I train in triathlon (I used to be a competitive swimmer) and also started gymnastics this year though I’m definitely lacking on the flexibility side. I’m also a swim teacher and spend a lot of my time with the university air squadron, with who I’ve done lots of sports and expeditions as well as my first solo flight.

Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?

I’m lucky enough to have travelled quite a lot around Europe but I would like to go on a long-haul flight at some point. I would love to visit New Zealand as it looks like such a beautiful country, with both the sea and mountains which are two things I love.

If you would like to be featured in a future ‘Featured Thursday’ get in contact via our social media, or email: enquiries@goalballuk.com

To check out the rest of the articles from our ‘Featured Thursday’ series please use the following link Goalball UK – Featured Thursday