Sonya McGinn OLY competed in Sydney 2000 Olympics Games before setting up her own businesses – SV Fitness Health Club and The Massage & Sports Therapy Centre.
Sonya was always a very determined person both mentally and physically and would say this helped her achieve the success she has had to date, becoming an Olympian and running her own businesses. She loves all sports, having represented Ireland in some and being very competitive in others.
At 13, Sonya was invited to compete in the junior world Championships in Indonesia which no Irish player had been offered before. At 16, she got her first Senior International cap.
At 18, she won her first Senior National Singles title which she held throughout her Badminton career. Badminton was her main sport at this stage as the Olympic dream was always on her mind. After travelling the world solo, competing to gain Olympic Qualifying points, she got a phone call from Badminton Ireland, letting her know she had qualified for the Sydney Olympic, becoming the first Irish Badminton player to qualify for an Olympic Games. Sonya’s qualification for the Games gave Badminton Ireland the knowledge and pathway to help other athletes follow suit.
| Skill Set | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sports Administration | Ran my own Gym for over 24 years, set up and ran my Sports Therapy Clinic, Coached and travelled with Sports Teams & brought home the medals |
| Governance | I would have a clear understanding of the importance of Governance |
| High Performance Sport | I am an Olympian. I did my own training program that helped me qualify for the Olympic Games. I am very aware of what an athlete needs to do both mentally & physically to be properly prepared for the world circuit & the Olympic games. |