In the next instalment of our 'Meet The Team' series, we introduce Emma Witherford, Customer Success Team Member at Sport:80.

Emma, tell us a bit about yourself!

"I'm originally from Malvern, but I have gradually moved up north, first to the University of Nottingham, and then to Sheffield, which is now home.

"Growing up, I always enjoyed sports, often trying many different ones, but kayaking remained a constant throughout.

"While at uni, being close to the National Water Sports Centre meant I could study while training and competing at an international level.

"Graduating in a pandemic, I then took a job in an outdoor education and therapy-based school, before switching career paths to work in sport and tech with Sport:80.

"Having worked in sports participation in several roles, it was working in the University of Nottingham Sport participation team that tipped the balance between pursuing a career in sport and biology (which I did my degree in)."

What are some of your main duties at Sport:80?

"Within my role in the Customer Success team, I am responsible for conducting the NGB reviews (which are similar to a gap analysis, carried out in partnership with our clients). I then create a report for recommendations and actions for both parties and liaise with both teams for the next steps.

"Day to day, I also support with several clients in a ‘project management’ context, and assist on the ‘Support Desk’ for enquiries."

Tell us a bit about your interests!

"Most my time out of work is spent with friends and being outdoors - usually kayaking, climbing, hiking, surfing - but basically anything outdoors, topped off with some good food and a drink (bonus points if its abroad)."

Who is your favourite sports team/athlete?

"I take inspiration from lots of athletes so it’s hard to pick just one, but growing up, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Katherine Grainger were two that always inspired me."

What's your favourite sporting memory?

"More personal than anything – representing Great Britain at a home World Championships."

Favourite pasta shape?

"Tortellini!"

Desert island! One film, book, and album for the rest of your life. What are they?

"Book would be Living the Best Day Ever by Hendri Coetzee, film would be Hot Fuzz, album would be ‘One by One’ by Foo Fighters."

Favourite fictional character?

"Woody from Toy Story."

The thing that annoys you most?

"Probably would have to be people talking over others."

What about something you love, that everybody else hates?

"Camping."

What's something you don't like, that everybody else does?

"Picking a ‘favourite’ thing!"

What's your spirit animal?

"Octopus ."

If you could go back to any moment in time, what would it be?

"Travelling to Uganda in 2017 – kayaking the Nile, surfing some of the best white water in the world and seeing incredible wildlife.

"This section of river was damned shortly after, completely flooding this section."