‘Momentum gained by women in sport must be sustained’

JENNY EGAN has been one of the most prominent champions of women in sport in recent times.

Her excellence in a canoe is in itself an example to all, male or female, who aspire to getting the best from themselves.

She is also a strong supporter of the 20x20 initiative and, as well as that, is the athlete representative on the Women in Sport steering committee set up by Sport Ireland.

This is an issue with which she is seriously engaged.

And Egan recognises that the coming months and years could provide significant challenges in the campaign to improve the visibility of women in sport.

This is, after all, the aim of 20x20, one of the most imaginative developments in Irish sport for years.

‘It’s a difficult situation,’ she says. ‘Sports are going to be under financial strain after all of this, and that’s completely understandable, but I really hope it won’t push aside all of the good work being done over the past two years on increasing visibility.

‘I hope sponsors will still want to support women in sport. But so many things are going to suffer, in all walks of life, after this.

‘I just really hope the momentum we’ve gained for the campaign for women in sport will continue.

‘It might not be to the same extent, but let’s at least keep the ball moving.

‘I was one of 20 athletes picked to represent 20x20 in 2020. Increasing the visibility of women in sport is something I’m very passionate about, and I just hope we can keep that momentum going, and that media will try and support it, too.’

Egan’s advocacy on this issue is shaped to an important extent by her own experience.

She has excelled because she was always taught that she could do what any boy could.

Her goal now is to take that way of thinking and make sure it permeates not just the families which are nurturing the athletes of tomorrow, but all who are connected with organising and promoting sport.

She is appreciative of the unstinting support that has helped her achieve on an international scale, but she knows, too, the benefits that follow when such support is offered.

‘I’m very lucky. My mum and dad have treated Pete (her brother) and I as equals all our lives.

‘They’ve encouraged us both to excel in sport, as well as academically and career-wise. ‘Some parents might still say, “I don’t mind if my girl gives up sport but my son is definitely not”. That’s why I talk about societal change. ‘Parents are kids’ first and number one role models in life. That’s why parents need to encourage their girls to stay in sport, and have a different outlook to girls in sport.

‘This needs to start at grassroots level, and then kids can grow up thinking everyone is equal.

‘I’ve had a strong family behind me and I definitely say that’s why I’ve gotten to where I am today, there are no two ways about it.

‘One year my mum did 12 ferry crossings with me to bring me to competitions throughout Europe. I’m lucky because my mum and dad were able to support me in that way.

‘And I’m very lucky to have parents that were encouraging and wanted me to excel. That’s why I say the most important people in kids’ lives are their parents.’