Inside track Chelsea Pitman
The England netball player’s dream job would be as a fighter pilot – and she loves to watch First Dates and Naked Attraction
Who is the one person you would like to meet, dead or alive?
Jesus. I remember as a child I was very intrigued by religion. I went to an Anglican school and I had a very diverse group of friends from all types of religion; I’d go to different churches with my friends to see what it was all about. It’s something I’ve been interested in even though I’ve never followed or had a faith, so Jesus would be an interesting one to meet.
Describe yourself in three words.
Loyal, honest, adventurous.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
I’m just really OK being by myself, whether going on holiday or eating in fancy restaurants and people watching. For example, on New Year’s Eve I went by myself for dinner and I got lots of messages saying: “I haven’t got the guts to do it.” Why is it so scary? The servers speak to you at least, and you can be on your phone without feeling rude.
If you could switch lives with anyone in the world for a day, who would it be?
I don’t know the person, but I’d love to switch lives with a fighter pilot out on a [aircraft] carrier. I’d love to see what it’s like to be part of that type of environment, working in the air force out at sea. It’s always been something I’ve been so intrigued by and in an ideal world if I had the brains and aptitude, I’d love to do that.
What is your dream meal and dinner guests?
Sitting at the chef ’s table while Gordon Ramsay cooks would be interesting. I know people usually pick someone famous or really cool, but I’d just like all my family together. My mum and dad and sister are in Brisbane, my brother is in Manchester, and we haven’t all got together for 4½ years.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I can’t remember the exact wording but it’s ‘Don’t apologise for making decisions around your physical and mental health’. It sounds simple but sometimes we do things that make us feel uncomfortable, so it’s being able to have those conversations. To say: “That’s not right for me,” and not having to explain yourself.
Sun seeker: Chelsea Pitman in action for England; and (above) a favourite holiday destination, the Maldives
What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever bought?
I bought some Louis Vuitton shoes many years ago that cost an arm and a leg when I wasn’t really in a position to spend that much – and I’ve only worn them five times!
What has been your favourite holiday?
That’s a tough one because I’ve been able to travel to amazing places. Going to the Maldives and Sri Lanka was a great holiday.
What is your biggest nonsporting achievement?
Graduating from the police academy in Adelaide. It was extremely tough, mentally and physically, training for 9½ months. I’ve never worked so hard for something away from netball and it’s a massive source of pride. I left to chase my netball dreams, but I will go back to it. I absolutely love policing. There are parts that are hard and draining, but there’s a really good support system around and I’ve found something I have as much passion for as netball.
What is the best book you have read?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts – it’s amazing. It’s based on a true story about an Australian with a drug addiction who went to India and found purpose in life. He meets some cool people and scary ones and takes you on the journey.
What is your favourite TV show?
I tend to jump on something and binge it. I’ve just finished Wednesday. I do love Naked Attraction. If I can’t sleep, I put that on – it’s just so funny. I always come back to that and First Dates – cringe reality.
What is the funniest thing you have seen or heard on the court?
We do have sledging but I just giggle if someone is sledging, because it means we’ve won if they’re resorted to that. I don’t even know how they think of things. It’s always funny when someone farts on court. Or a “falcon”, when someone gets a ball in the face.
If you had a time machine, would you go back or to the future?
I don’t think I would want one. If you go forward, you’d miss things and have gaps. If you go back and try to change things you regret you don’t know if you’ll alter things too much and could be caught living in the past, which I don’t want to do. If I could go back to any period, it would be medieval times.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To hear another language and be able to understand it and speak it, wherever I am in the world. Then I could be the best eavesdropper!
If you could go on any reality TV show what would it be?
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. I’d be out of my comfort zone but there’s community spirit in it, you have to work together to get to the end of it.