suzanne - miller
badminton
What was your sport and how did you get into it?
My sport is badminton which I started playing when I was nine years old. My Mum and Dad used to play socially and I started playing with them.
Tell us about the highlights of your sporting career?
Highlights for me would be becoming national champion and being ranked 11 in the world as well as beating the reigning Olympic Gold medallists in competition. Other highlights include winning European junior bronze and world team silver medals.
What were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?
Moving from junior to senior ranks, going from being a big fish in a small pond to the other way round was difficult! Being honest with yourself about how much harder you needed to work if you were going to progress and also being patient and learning from your mistakes. It was important to keep small goals in mind when you encounter big hurdles.
Injury throughout my career was a real challenge. You need to listen to and understand your body, ensuring you educate yourself on the best way forward and keeping those goals in mind.
What have been your highlights while working at the Trust?
The female only programme I was part of in Hayes was a really big success, as was the programme we ran in Southend for single mothers, because it created access to a programme that traditionally this group haven’t been able to access because of childcare issues. Being able to deliver remotely also removed a lot of barriers for some people. Finally, delivering a Comic Relief funded programme in Hayes where Radio 1 DJ Greg James came to visit for the day was a massive highlight!
What do you do now alongside working for the Trust?
I’m a mother of three and I am also studying for a Master’s degree in nursing. Additionally I run a badminton academy which currently has about 150 students enrolled.
What life advice would you give a young person?
Be honest and open minded with yourself. Try and be your own best friend, as there will be points in your life when you feel you are on your own and you will need to be your own mentor. Treat yourself the way you would treat someone who you really love, value and respect and let that guide your decisions.
What experience do you have of working with corporate organisations?
I’ve worked at Nike and ICW Watches previously and I’ve run sessions for various corporate organisations such as Janus Henderson on behalf of the Trust.
What does Being Me mean to you?
Being Me means that you are only judged by yourself and you define who you are, don’t let other people tell you what you can and can’t do. Your life is not defined by just one thing, you are more than just the sum of your parts and you have lots to offer the world, as long as you keep learning and keep growing .
Competitive Record
2009
English national Champion
Ranked 11th in the world in mixed doubles
2006
Slovakia Open winner
2004
Canada Open winner 2004
US Runner Up 2004
