Marianne Discusses her Time at The Commonwealth Games
In 2002 as Elite Judo Competitor
In 2022 as a Soft Tissue and Sports Massage Therapist for Elite Athletes
Hope-based Soft Tissue and Sports Massage Therapist, Marianne Sharpe, at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
When I left school, I went on to catering college and decided to take up a hobby. I had never been sporty, but I chose fencing for six months and then discovered judo. I thought 'Judo is just wrestling, I could do that!'. I soon learnt there was a lot more to it – there was throwing involved! I loved it and became better at it.
Back then, in the early 90s, I was working at Shrigley Hotel, the country hall and golf club in Cheshire, and had been promoted to Head Breakfast Chef. It was difficult working full-time and being committed to judo. Then, in 1996 I worked at Cheadle Leisure Centre, and trained as a gym instructor. It was a full-time position and I was still doing judo.
I was told 'girls give up when they achieve First Dan (black belt)' which I had achieved, but I persevered and went to the next grading. Lo and behold there were no girls! I only ever saw the girls at the elite side of things and got to meet other First Dan female judo athletes, who were either on the Team GB squad or among the top 10 in the UK. So, I kept turning up to competitions and got completely battered for a long time!
During my time performing judo at Cheshire clubs I got myself onto the British Judo squad and was ranked 4th in the country. My perseverance had paid off! This was in the weight category of 'Up to 70 kgs’ (under 11 stone).
However, the demands of travelling 200 miles a week for competitions meant I knew I could not keep my full-time catering job. It was tough to be up against people representing Britain and Internationally and holding down a demanding job. I had been International but I was not picked for the GB team as I was not 'number one or two.'
After a few years, I believed I could not go any higher in judo from a competitive perspective. I was considering retiring from judo around 1998. I went to a Warrington club and heard that Alan Jones, the coach for Wales, was there. He pulled me to one side and said:' I hear you are thinking of retiring. You do know you are the only weight category I haven't got in my national Welsh team.'
Then there was the clincher question which changed everything. He asked:'Would you consider competing for the Welsh national team?' He added that if my answer was 'yes' I would have to move to Wales. He had his sights (as I did!) on the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Alan told me I could be 'Welsh No 1' and he would put the proposition to the Board that I would represent Wales on the Welsh National Team. Of course, I said yes! The Board said yes! I was extremely proud to represent Wales.
I went on a few trips on the Welsh National Team, including one in 2000 to Stephenville, Canada for the Commonwealth Games judo tournament. This was a major competition for me. It was so amazing to be there as part of the Welsh team and I achieved a Commonwealth bronze medal. I was so proud to achieve that medal and to do it for Wales.
In 2002, I was thrilled to win the gold medal in Cardiff at the Welsh Championships. I did it! I could now go to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester!
At the Manchester Commonwealth Games, the atmosphere was thrilling! It was my old training ground where I had competed in many judo fights and now I was here to compete against Amanda Costello of Scotland. She ended up winning bronze (judo has two bronze medals) and I was placed fifth – but it was a great day to remember. The best day for me was when my name was called, I heard the crowds cheering my name. This felt so humbling and amazing.
The Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games was my last competition and finished in July. That September, I travelled to Colorado, America, to work as a judo instructor in jiu -jitsu clubs. Then it was back to the UK for a normal life. I moved from Derbyshire to London and qualified as a Personal Trainer.
I also worked as a community sports coach which meant I was able to learn a lot about how the body moves, and in 2017 I qualified as a Level 5 Soft Tissue/Sports Massage Therapist.
My life took a new direction when I moved back to the Peak District to be closer to my family. I experienced a huge loss in my family which I struggled with greatly and I needed to have a new goal to help me cope.
I realised I could use my massage skills to help athletes and so I applied to offer my services at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as a volunteer. I felt so lucky to be accepted.
Marianne pictured with Nigerian Paralympian Eucharia Njideka Iyazi, who after winning her gold medal, made a point of finding Marianne to thank her!
I was treating elite athletes like Nigerian Paralympian Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi who, after winning gold for the shot put F57/8 category, made a point of finding me to thank me and to give me a hug. I felt very proud of her and very proud of myself and the role I played in helping her win!
I never imagined that there would have been a 20-year gap between competing in the Commonwealth Games and helping out at the event in my role as a soft tissue and sports massage therapist. I felt, as I had competed at a high level, I could understand what these athletes were going through. Not only on a physical level, but emotionally too. I could help give them confidence and motivate them.
Competitors' treatment requirements are not necessarily voiced by the coach. The athletes will come to me and say what their issues are and what they need in the way of sports massage. You can be working independently or often with the team – which may include a physio, doctor or coach. You have to be adaptable and the role is very rewarding. What you do for the athlete could make the difference to help them achieve their dream and their goals.
I would like to add that it's always important to chase your dreams and try to overcome obstacles along the way. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager and have had to deal with it all my adult life and throughout my judo career, and I still manage the condition today.
My massage techniques are informed by a deep understanding of the physiological impact of exercise, strain, injury and pain on.the whole body. As a therapist, I will ask many questions, because I treat the person rather than isolating the issue. This includes advice on how to manage pain and avoid pain or re-injury.
I am experienced and confident with working with young people, para and able-bodied athletes, up to elite level. I also work with clients of all ages who experience pain as a result of illness or disability.
Marianne Sharpe, based at Activ's Hope clinic, is a Soft Tissue and Sports Massage Therapist.
If you would like to book an appointment with her, please call our friendly team on 01433 623 602
