Former professional footballer Jill Scott speaks openly about her personal woes while going through the four day challenges for Sports Relief
Former England footballer Jill Scott has become one of the nation’s sweethearts due to her steely determination on the pitch. But it seems every great athlete has their breaking point as the TV personality, 39, candidly admitted she nearly gave up her Sport Relief challenge this week.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror she said, “I didn’t think I would be able to do the hills.”
At the time of speaking to us, Jill had just completed four days and 359 miles and over 20 hours riding a bike to end up at the Stadium of Light, which is in Sunderland, her hometown.
“I didn’t think I would be able to do the hills when we were going through the Yorkshire Dales, It was literally so tough at the end, I did think if one more hill appeared, I might have to get off the bike and give up.
She added: “They didn’t defeat me, I got through. And I must say, in that moment, Mark, who’s been my cycling guide, definitely did get me through. So thank you, Mark.”
But it seems as though apart from her loyal fans, friends and family, Jill was spurred on by one famous face – Ronan Keating.
She continued: “You know, the support’s been amazing, from messages to people on the street. Honestly, I think it’s going to hit me once this challenge is over, because I feel like in my head it’s just to get this challenge finished.
“So I think that’s an athlete mindset sometimes. But seeing Ronan Keating today, that actually did make me smile a lot. I’m gutted that I missed their concert at the weekend because I was training for this, and I told them they’ve got to do another one just so I can come. But what a guy.”
Jill started to play for England in 2006 and fast became a household name. When asked about her ideal celebrity squad she said: “Oh, that’s a really tough one. Just everybody that sent messages. I’ve had messages from the guys on the Overlap podcast, from Kaz Carney, Nasee Adam, Carly Telford joined us, all my mates, my ex- teammates. There would be too many to make a squad.”
And while Jill has been praised along the way and has tried to make it seem as though she is surviving well, she revealed she did have to endure a few injuries.
“Well, two blisters have just popped on my toes, so there’s a little bit of gory detail. Yeah, it has been really challenging. My knee’s been causing us a lot of pain, so there’s been a lot of moments of getting strapped up.
“I don’t think people see, when you’re arriving at the pit stops, it’s half 11 at night and you’re getting physio till half one, two in the morning. You have four hours’ sleep and then you’re up again to do a marathon or a 30-mile run.”
She concluded: “But I knew it was going to be a challenge. It’s a sport belief, for one of me, it’s as much money as possible, so it’s got to be tough, doesn’t it?”
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