Lessons I’ve learned from my mother

Paralympic alpine skier Millie Knight

Your favourite memory with your mum? My mum was my ski guide at the start of my career. She was very brave, competitive and competent. In the couple of seasons that we skied together I won my first international medal – that has got to be my favourite memory.

How has your mum supported you throughout your career? My mum is my biggest fan and ‘she gets me’. She has invested so much time, worry, effort and money into my life and skiing career and has done this on her own as a single parent. She has sacrificed a lot to keep me on the Paralympic road.

The best piece of advice your mum has given you? My mum is a stickler for manners and for thanking people where necessary. She has always installed gratitude into me.

What are you most grateful to your mum for? I am grateful to my Mum for never treating me like I’m a disabled person, saying “blindness isn't an excuse”.

What about your mum inspires you? Her determination and ability to keep going, even when things are tough. She never gives up. She has taught me to persevere and push through and never to waste an opportunity- she is remarkable.

GB hockey player Rhys Smith who set up the Hockey Inner City project to improve diversity and accessibility to the sport

Your favourite memory with your mum? Evenings where it's been just us spending time together: listening to music and dancing, playing card games/dominoes/Scrabble, watching a movie, general banterful conversations… irrespective of what we are doing it's always a vibe.

How has your mum supported you throughout your career? Mumsy has been there every step of the way with words of encouragement, instilling confidence and belief in me and giving me her honest thoughts about my effort, attitude and commitment. We have shared most, if not all of my best moments together.

The best piece of advice your mum has given you? The only person who can make you feel inferior is yourself.

What are you most grateful to your mum for? Her charm, personality, humour…I like to think I have taken all of these and upgraded them…

What about your mum inspires you? Her independence is something I love. It has definitely inspired me, but also something that frustrates me – sometimes she can take on too much without seeking help. But my mum's ability to take action, be proactive and get things done by herself is something I appreciate and something that definitely runs through me.

Olympic boxer Charley Davidson – a mum of 3 who took 7 years out of the ring to raise a family

Your favourite memory with your mum? My favourite memory with my mum would have to be her being a part of my children’s births. My mum being able to watch her daughter bring her grandchildren into the world must have been the best experience and it was a very special moment.

How has your mum supported you throughout your career? Mum has always supported my career by telling me to strive to be the best and to always follow my dreams. That’s the kind of advice she’s always given me.

What are you most grateful to your mum for? For the manner she raised me and for just being the best mother possible in every aspect of life. She inspires me just by being the woman she is, day in and day out.

12th March 2021