Meakins, White – squash trailblazers

As many around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, two of Barbados’ most experienced and talented squash players Karen Meakins and Lilianna White shared their journey as females in the sport.

Meakins, Barbados’ most decorated female squash player with 15 senior national titles to her name, said this day meant so much to her because so often women were overlooked.

“Women are often overlooked a lot. So, it is good to celebrate everybody, all women. It is good for us to have a day and be celebrated for all that we do and contribute to the world,” Meakins told Barbados TODAY.

The former three-time Caribbean squash champion said as one of the leading players, it was the support of family and friends that had allowed her to rise to prominence and made her into the woman she is today.

“It is the support of your friends, your family and all of those around you. In squash my teammates, everybody I trained with, I could not develop as an athlete without that support around me. I think that is super important, so definitely having a strong support group is very important.

“When you play a sport, you naturally get that. When I moved to Barbados, I did not really know a lot of people but I played squash, so automatically I had a bunch of new friends because we had that in common. I think that is why sports is so important, certainly in my life. I’ve travelled to amazing places and it is having that support network, I think it is really important,” Meakins explained.

A holder of the 2010 national sports personality of the year award, Meakins said over the years as a mentor and coach she has sought to inspire and be there for other young females in the sport.

“I have been supporting them. Getting on the court with them when I can and just knowing that they can come to me. I am quite an approachable person, so if they have anything they want to talk about squash or non-squash related, I am the sort of person they can come and talk to.

“It is good to have a strong female sports model for the players. It is nice to have someone who has done well in the sport and also know if you have anything you want to discuss with them, you can go talk to them. I see myself as somebody that is approachable and always there to give advice when I can and I hope that is how they see me too,” she said.

Meakins encouraged all females, especially the younger ones, to pursue their aspirations and not to limit themselves.

“If you want to play sports just go for it. Don’t be put off by the fact let’s say cricket for instance which is a male-dominated sport, we got some amazing young women’s cricketers now.

“If it is something you are passionate about and really want to try, I just think you have to give it a go. Try it out and if you like it, work hard, be dedicated. I think you still have to prove yourself. But if you do prove yourself and earn the respect of your peers then that is good,” Meakins said.

She added: “Also when you go into sports if you can find a female role model or just a female to help you along the way, don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes when you go into a new environment, it doesn’t have to be a sport, it could be anything, you might be a little unsure.

“I think everybody is helpful and wants to help each other. So, I think it is important to say I’m new to this, come give me some advice. Or, I am struggling here, is there anything that you can do to help? That would be my advice.”

Similar to Meakins, White, once ranked fourth in the Caribbean, said for her the specially designated day meant a celebration of women and their empowerment.

“It is a celebration of women across the world who have shown their empowerment and where they are today. More and more women across the world are becoming leaders and showing the power what we have,” White said.

The 2010 Pan American Games bronze medallist in mixed doubles noted how she encouraged young females about what she went through as a player and the discipline required to succeed.

“I keep telling and encouraging them about what I had to go through as a young junior and what my coach did with me. The type of work we had to put in. I mean we were putting in five days a week, lots of drilling, lots of training and it was very disciplined.

“A lot of discipline was required. So, I talk to them about where I have been across the world, how many friends I have across the world that have been my rivals on the court but are still my good friends outside of the court.

“How we can still have good sportsmanship and the different cultures I have learnt across the world and how that strengthens the love that you have for your country and your flag. What I have seen and learnt about other cultures, it is such an honour to be able to travel the world flying our colours,” said White who has been playing the sport for 31 years.

“As a woman, I just go in and be me. Stand up for my rights and for what I think is correct. So, I really never judged it that men were given more than women. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot more men in squash than there are women and I am sure the men get more highlights than women,” she added.

According to White, the status quo is changing where more women are being recognised in sport both locally and internationally.

“Look at Meagan Best, look at how much highlights she has got. What does that say? That is saying that the world is changing. It is not going to be the same anymore.

“We have had lots of stuff going in the newspaper with me last year and with Jada and Jodi Smith and a lot of the other younger juniors coming up. And so, I feel that women are becoming more powerful, we are becoming more in the spotlight.

“I just try to empower girls because I have two girls, to stand up and not to be bullied. Stand up for their rights and when you are criticised or have criticism, you use it in a powerful way, not a negative way. And you use it to build yourself stronger and be a stronger person,” White told Barbados TODAY.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb