judy murray’s 2017 highlights
It’s hard to believe another year is over already. 2017 was really busy for me and took me on a number of great adventures into pastures new, and into contact with a whole load of fun and interesting people.
A few years ago I might not have had the confidence to try new things with the same give-it-a-go attitude. Now? Bring it on!
It seems crazy to be saying that at 58, but I’ve written before how my confidence has increased as I’ve got older and I think lots of women are the same.
One of the highlights of the year for me was being back on Strictly Come Dancing for the Christmas special.
It was so much fun to re-enter that world and ditch the trainers and tennis balls for glitter and sparkles.
The sheer feelgood factor the show generates is a big part of the secret of its success.
If you saw the show you’ll know I visited the Royal Hospital For Children in Glasgow with my partner, Neil Jones.
To meet some of the children there and dance with them was very special.
It makes you realise how lucky you are and how important your health is.
My book – Knowing The Score, My Family And Our Tennis Journey – also came out and again, took me into a whole new world of literary festivals and introduced me to lots of authors from so many and varies walks of life.
One of the people I met was Kathy Lette, who’s a writer of saucy chick-lit.
We were appearing together at Althorp Literary Festival.
While we were there, we had lunch with Earl Spencer, John Challis – “Boycie” in Only Fools and Horses – and perfume guru Jo Malone.
It was a hoot and I actually stayed on to hear Kathy speak at the festival, because we’d got on so well.
I had a moment where I thought to myself that these were people I’d never have had a chance to meet if I hadn’t tried stepping out of my comfort zone.
Much as I love tennis and the coaching world, I love those new challenges, too.
There were lots of proud mum moments, too. A big highlight this year was Jamie and his doubles partner Martina Hingis winning Wimbledon and the US Open mixed doubles. That was fantastic.
Andy spending most of the year injured or ill was really tough obviously but he and his wife Kim welcomed a second daughter, Edie, into their family. Every cloud and all that.
Onwards and upwards with whatever 2018 may bring.
My confidence has increased as I’ve got older and I think lots of women are the same