Meet Iona Gold-Bruce

Meet Wheelchair Basketball Player Iona Gold-Bruce

Iona started playing wheelchair basketball in 2023 and now trains as part of the Scotland National Academy as well as with Grampian Flyers and Inverness Lions.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

Like most wheelchair basketball athletes in Scotland the answer is Tina Gordon from Basketball Scotland! I went to the Grampian Parasport Festival in November 2022 and tried various sports but I seemed to have more natural ability with wheelchair basketball. Tina suggested to my parents that I joined a local team so I did and now basketball is everything!

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Grampian Flyers.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

The amount of travelling around Scotland and down to England for training and competitions.  Nutrition and hydration can also be a challenge for me as I am tube fed but I can’t manage my usual daytime tube feeds during training or competition days so me, my parents, my dietitian and my gastro team have had to work together to come up with a plan that works for these days that we can adapt as needed.

What are your goals for the coming year?

I want to work on improving my strength to allow me to throw higher and further (in wheelchair basketball we shoot into the same 10ft high hoop as running basketball players do!) and work on improving my shooting technique.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

I go to basketball training in Aberdeen and Inverness each week, and also National Academy training. I have a strength and conditioning plan to follow, plus the physiotherapy I have to do due to my condition. I have started wheelchair racing with AAAC as cross-training, and I also sail, which might not sound like it’s related, but it’s really good for improving tactical skills. Being so busy means I need to try and make sure I balance sport, rest and recovery, studying and social time, which is not always easy to do!

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

I’m determined, focused and good at working with others.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

As many as I can!

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

I remember that everyone has setbacks, and you learn from them.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

I don’t have just one inspiration. Everyone I meet in my sport inspires me as everyone has different challenges and we can all learn from each other.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Being selected for the U14 Scotland squad this summer. Representing Scotland at the National Championships in Worcester was an amazing experience!

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

The fact that I want to be the best I can and go as far in the sport as I can. My ultimate dream would be to play for GB one day.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Go for it! Be brave, try new things and have fun.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

It will mean that I can access a gym to work on my strength and conditioning rather than just relying on what I can do at home.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Instagram: @tzippy.iona