They came from nowhere to take the title as the fittest women's team at the London Winter Festival in February this year.
We sit down with 'Peaky Blinders' to find out a little bit more about them and what makes them such a formiddable team and to see if they will be back to defend their title at the London Summer Festival in June.
Who are the Peaky Blinders... what are your names - age - job/occupation?
Ruth Hitchen, 29, Physiotherapist, Coach and PT
Beth Poppleton, 29, PE Teacher
Dani Petrovic, 35, Firefighter
Jenna Watt, 29, Art Teacher
Kelly Morris, 25, Insight Manager
Where in the UK are you girls from? Or does your team name give it away completely:)?
The name pretty much gives it away - We are all currently based in Solihull (South Birmingham)
Did you all know each other before forming your team?
We have known each other for a few years mainly from the gym
Do you all train together if so where?
We all train at the same crossfit box, however, not always at the same time/in the same classes.
How did you hear about the Turf Games?
We saw it advertised on Instagram and we were keen to do it as there aren't many events with team of same sex 5's
Was the Winter Festival your first competition? or have you competed in others?
We have never competed together as a 5 before but some of us have competed in two's/three's
How did you train and prepare for the Turf Games Winter Festival?
We had one 'official' turf games training session two days before the event to go over the movements, however, we usually train at the same gym so know each others strengths and weaknesses
What is each athlete's strength/weakness?
We are all fairly well rounded athletes
Strengths:
Ruth - Running with her skinny legs
Beth - Lats for days
Dani - Sesh queen 1
Jenna - Eyebrows on point
Kelly - Sesh queen 2
(we had to clarify 'Sesh Queen' = As in a drinking Sesh (session).. implying she is a good drinker / enjoys going out / party girl)
Weaknesses:
Ruth - Terrible lightweight
Beth - Taste in trainers
Dani- Big bird
Jenna - Language barrier/possible deportation post brexit
Kelly - Princess
How many training sessions or types of exercises/sessions did you do in the lead up?
We all usually train between 3-6 times a week and it is a mixture of cardio and weight training
Did you have any idea of the standard of other teams or athletes that would be competing on the day?
We had no idea what the standard of the other teams would be. The level of athletes was outstanding and we really had to push ourlselves the whole day
Were you nervous about being part of a competition like this?
Only when we arrived and realised majority of the other teams were sponsored, felt a bit like the Jamaican bobsleigh team
Two tips or strategy techniques for any team preparing to take part in a Turf Games?
- Have a laugh, don't be too serious
- When you gotta go down the rabbit hole, just embrace it
The big question... do you have a team for the Summer Festival and are you ready to defend your Women's Elite Champion title?
OF COURSE - we are all returning as a team to retain the title - Can't wait.
