Mel Rippon - Post Test Event and World League

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Category: Mel Rippon

Matt: How has the last month been for you, National League Finals, London Test Event and World League Games?

Mel: As you can imagine it has been busy, lots of flights, different hotels, plenty of training and games.

Matt: How did you feel after losing the final of the National League, does it take you long to get over a loss or have you learnt from experience to learn from it and move on?

Mel: Losing any match is tough and it was disappointing to lose this final because we didn’t perform which means we can always think of what more we could’ve done to change the outcome. BUT we had to move on right away as we flew out for the London Test Event the next day and were now team mates with the very girls we had been competing against that week.

Matt: Your big sis Bec didn't make the team for the Stingers this year, has it been hard not having her there since you have been playing together for years or are you like stuff her it is my turn to shine now :)?

Mel: It was always going to be tough if either one of us missed out and we both knew it was a possibility and had discussed it.

It didn’t prepare me for how shattered I was, not for myself ,but for her.

She has always been a work horse and any team I have been part of has been better for her having been a part of it. I will obviously miss having her around but she is still there for me now just as much as she was before.

Matt: In between games does the team still train or is that time for recovery? If so what type of training?

Mel: Oh we still train! In fact we usually train on game day as well as our days off.

Matt: How strict is the coaching staff during events, do you have to be in bed at a certain time or is it you are all adults you should know what is the right thing to do?

Mel: We have a daily schedule that we have to stick to in regards to training times, bus times, meetings etc but in down time we are free to do what we want.

Obviously there is an expectation that your down time is used to help prepare you for the next session or game so there are a lot of movies watched and day time naps.

Usually bed time isn’t a problem as we are so worn out from training or games we just want to get in bed!

Matt: What do you find the hardest part during a major competition?

Mel: For me its switching off once a game is over.

I tend to replay the game over and over again and it can really be tough to turn off and relax or even sleep.

Matt: What is one item you would not leave the country without?

Mel: My pillow!

And a truck load of chocolate…

Matt: What was the highlight of the trip for you?

Mel: The test event was a highlight for sure.

The chance to see the Olympic venue, use the changerooms, play in the official pool… And then to win, it was a great experience.

One that the Stingers will be looking for replicate in a few months time!