November 2009 Woman in Media: Claire Cowan

Written by the gsport Features Desk

Friday, 27 November 2009 08:50

Claire is always on the go. If it’s not fixing up the injured as a Biokeneticist at the Sports Science Institute’s Fitness Centre, she out adjudicating some contentious decision as an umpire on the hockey field, if not there, … You get the picture. gsport's November Woman in Media isn’t a trained journalist, but as a specialist in cricketing matters (why ask?), she’s part of the dynamic SABC Radio2000 ball-by-ball commentary team, rubbing shoulders with (men’s) notables like Robin Jackman, Neil Manthorpe and Ian Bishop.

Claire’s into the naturally-exciting things in live. A fond childhood memory is prancing around the garden after being hosed down by dad, and a key teenage highlight was “an amazing hockey tour to Zimbabwe followed by a cricket tour in which we played against an English U21 side.” Watching the SA ladies cricket team win the ICC World Cup qualifying tournament in Stellenbosch is a moment to she cherishes, and if there’s any more doubt about her outlook on life, consider her message to South Africa: Positivity and drive breeds! Ladies, please welcome an inspired November Woman in Media, Claire Cowan!

Do you have a nickname that your friends call you?

Stitch. The reason being my very first practice for my current hockey club landed me in hospital for stitches. A great beginning. Others include Clarence, Clarabell and Bell.

Where do you live?

The best place in the world: Cape Town!

What makes you most proud to count yourself as a South African?

The camaraderie South Africans exhibit. We do live in most beautiful country with the environment, and wildlife who cannot be passionate about SA? I am a bit of an outdoor addict. Most definitely the long struggle towards democracy and I feel that it is an ongoing process but one that we are all engaging and participating in on a daily basis.

What makes you passionate about sport?

The challenges it presents to you as a person. There is no giving up you have to push yourself to places you and your mind have never been. And it can be dark sometimes. I love how you can train hard and have enemies on the field or pitch, but afterwards you can have a laugh and party hard together.

Your real job is as a bio-kineticist with the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town – What does this job entail?

I am a Biokineticist who works in the Fitness Centre. We have different roles and areas that we focus on. I focus on orthopaedic rehabilitation coupled with sport specific training. I also have clients were the primary focus in general health and wellness. We strive to help people transform their lives into a healthy one.

You’re also a key component of the management team supervising the national women’s cricket team – how long have you been in this role, and what does it involve?

I used to be involved, unfortunately I am not involved anymore. I used to wok with the ladies to improve the fitness and make them fit specifically for cricket. If there were injuries I would be involved in the rehabilitation process. This obviously involved both strength and cardiovascular training. Part of my job was to test them, monitor and develop programs to help them all become better cricketers.

What has been your biggest career highlight?

Sport - representing South Africa as a cricketer and being involved as the Biokineticist for the SA Ladies Cricket Team.

Career-wise - the move to Sport Science I absolutely love it there. An amazing atmosphere to work in.

gsport has received positive response from your recent stint as a commentator for the SABC’s cricket coverage recently: Do you see a future for yourself behind the mike?

Yes definitely. I really enjoy commentating and thrashing ideas and opinions out. But I never realized just how difficult it can be until I had to do it. It is just awesome o watch and then talk about a sport I love so much.

Who are the sports broadcasters you admire most, and why?

Neil Manthorpe - His experience and his timing he really knows how to entertain the viewers. He has a brilliant sense of humour and he commands the English language like a musician.

Robin Jackman - I respect his experience and vast knowledge of the game.

What is your advice to women who would like to break into sports broadcasting?

Never stop giving up. It is an area that is so diverse and dynamic. It constantly changes so I feel that opportunities are always opening up. Do not be shy to ask questions, you have to be brave and put yourself out there. Make sure you have a very thick skin.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced being a woman in a male-dominated world?

What is that saying …? Like water off a ducks back. Apply it most of the time.

The guys are really awesome and always very polite… They do take care of you. It can sometimes be intimidating being among these great guys who have all achieved so much. But you know and believe that you are there for a reason and deserve to be there. It is important to communicate that strongly. Another challenge is making the men realize that you are not there just because you are a female, but because you understand the game and do have a knowledge of the skill and strategy involved in cricket. This I feel is the greatest challenge.

What are your favourite spectator sports?

I may run out of space. I am an absolute sports junkie. It doesn’t matter what it is.

Obviously cricket, hockey, tennis and rugby. I also thoroughly enjoy watching athletics and swimming. I do enjoy soccer and golf. You name it, it can entertain me for hours.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Steffi Graf - tennis was one of my first sporting loves.

Gary Kirsten - A brilliant opening bat. I really respected his command of the game at all times and his will and desire to never give up. Although my dad always used to rag me that he couldn’t hit a soccer ball. But that was just to get a reaction out of me ... and that he did.

How do you keep fit?

Hockey, running, gymming, a bit of cycling, and I do love umpiring hockey!

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

My family: my parents have always been very supportive and there for me. They had lots of physical stuff like helping get me to where ever I had to go. But they were also very helpful when it came to bouncing ideas off them and just listening to me.

My sister Lian, and best friend Michelle, have also always been there for me, and shown me support and understanding.

2009 is almost over, what is your most important must-do activity remaining for the year?

I’ve got a holiday planned for around SA. It has been a two year process of planning and I cannot wait. It is my idea of a holiday traveling around SA seeing and experiencing this beautiful country of ours.

What sports do you, or have you, participated in? Are you still an active sportswoman?

I used to play tennis and cricket. I unfortunately do not play anymore although I do miss cricket a lot. I still play hockey and indoor hockey which I absolutely love. I do run quite a bit but just focus on half marathons. I umpire a lot of hockey and love that although not sure why people would say that as most officials get so much punishment… Bring it on I have cards in my pocket.

I love all sports and am always keen to give anything a bash at anytime.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

I am not what you would term a “chicky chick” I do not do the make up and dress things I am always in jeans and shorts and T-shirts (sometimes to the irritation of my mom). I believe it is all about charisma and personality. Femininity is about being proud to be a female, and stand up or what we believe in. It is viewing confrontations and problems from both sides, and having the ability to put yourself into someone else’s shoes. We have the ability to do things with passion and drive in a charismatic way.

What is your biggest wish for 2010?

My biggest wish is for health. I had a misunderstanding with my dog in the middle of the year, it was a disagreement over an apple core. He is a Jack Russell, who honestly believes he is a lion who rules over everything and everyone (funny enough his name is Troy). Well he ended up nipping me on my cheek. Nothing serious I thought… But it did land me in hospital for four days and two operations later. So health would be great. No more medical bills.

My other wish … is balance. I am very driven, and often struggle to slow down and pull the reigns back. Next year I want to find a little bit more balance and time for me and my friends.

Do I get a third wish … ?

Who are your role models?

I try not to follow or look up to people too much, as I feel often this leads to you loosing your individuality. People end up copying others, and thus try to be some one who they are not.

I do look up to my parents and see them as lights that guide me.

What inspires you?

Photography. I do not have a creative bone in my body. However, I love photography and find it incredibly soothing and relaxing.

Wildlife and bird watching. As a youngster have always enjoyed bird watching.

People. My challenge, every day continuously is to see what other have to offer, and who I can get inspiration from. Every single person has something to offer and experience to learn from.