There comes a time in the childhood of many professional athletes when a choice needs to be made between their two favourite sports. For Ellyse Perry, the choice between soccer and cricket was one she refused to make. At the age of 16, Perry made her debut for both the Australian cricket and soccer teams and has since continued to play both sports at the highest level. Now 22, Perry can claim to be the first Australian woman to play in both the cricket and soccer World Cups and is one of the most recognisable female athletes in Australia today. Perry recently returned home from India where she helped Australia win the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup despite having a painkilling injection in her ankle before the final match. Onya Magazine contacted Perry to discuss cricket for the second part of our Women in Sport series.
How did you start playing cricket? Tell us about your earliest memory.
Like lots of kids, I first started playing cricket and lots of other kinds of sports in the backyard with my family.
Who were your idols growing up and why?
I had a lot of interest in lots of a great sports people like Susie O’Neil, Ian Thorpe and Pat Rafter, but I also looked up to and admired my parents a lot – and still do.
What type of training do you do? What does a typical week look like?
We do a variety of training, including lots of skills sessions, fitness, strength and flexibility. A typical week for me during the season includes one or two training sessions a day and matches on the weekend.
What is the highlight of your career to date?
Having the opportunity to represent Australia in two sports that I absolutely love has been a huge thrill and something I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to do.
What challenges does women’s cricket face?
Women’s cricket and women’s sport is in a really exciting place right now. I think we have a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop these sports, I think the challenge is to make the most of this opportunity.
How do you feel about men’s cricket and their success?
I think it’s wonderful. Cricket represents a huge part of Australian culture and history, and provides a huge amount of enjoyment and entertainment to so many people (male and female).
What do you think about women’s cricket right now? Is it growing?
I think it’s a really exciting time for women’s cricket right now and it’s been a huge privilege to be involved during a period where a lot of fantastic initiatives and programs have been and continue to be put in place to ensure growth in the sport.
Why should people come to support women’s cricket?
Better than that, it would be wonderful to have more people become involved in women’s cricket. Whether that’s as a player, as a Mum or Dad taking their daughter along to a session, or as a spectator. I think there is a wonderful sense of community and an inclusive environment that surrounds the women’s game.
Quick Questions
If you weren’t a cricket player what would you be?
Hopefully doing something that I take just as much pleasure and enjoyment out of.
Describe yourself in three words.
Energetic, motivated, a little bit silly sometimes.
What is the one piece of technology you cannot live without?
My phone, it’s always so lovely to hear from friends and family when I’m away.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love ice cream.
What are your best and worst qualities?
I lack quite a lot of coordination away from a sports field.
What is your favourite thing about Australia?
The incredible opportunity to achieve your aspirations and dreams, and the breathtaking landscape and natural environment.
What is your ideal travel destination?
Anywhere around Australia and Europe.
Thank you for participating and good luck for 2013, Ellyse.
