How much do you really know about your colleagues? This month, we're getting the lowdown on two new recruits: Eira Jepson, Policy & Engagement Lead, and Simon Stephens, Relationship Manager.
Would you like to take part in a future edition? If so, please get in touch with amy.crane@sport.wales.
Eira Jepson
What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you’d recommend? I’ve just finished reading Four Winds by Kristin Hannah – I didn’t know a lot about the Dust Bowl in America beforehand and it’s a really gripping story.
Who would you want to play you in a film of your life? Maybe Miranda Hart? I think she’d help find joy in all the small moments!
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I’d love to learn to play the guitar.
List two things that annoy you… People not picking up their dog’s poo, and my kids thinking that 5:30am is an acceptable time to start the day.
What animal would you choose to be? Maybe a marmot and I’d make my home in the hills.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago? You can’t plan everything so just enjoy some things as they come.
You get to choose four famous people (dead or alive) to join you for dinner – who are you asking? Claudia Winkleman, Alex Honnold, Jane Austen and Michelle Obama.
What or who were you obsessed with growing up? Nutella…I still am!
Happiness is… having a nap on a mountainside.
Guilty pleasure? Watching high-end property shows on Netflix.
Tell us something about yourself that you’re really proud of. Completing my PhD during a pandemic and with a toddler in tow.
What was your first job? When I was 18, I spent a year working in an international school in Switzerland – it mainly involved putting thirty 10-year-old boys to bed every night. Not an easy task!
If you could cameo in a TV show which one would you pick? Strictly Come Dancing – I’m a dedicated fan!
If you could be one sports star for a day, who would you be? Emelie Forsberg – I’d love to spend my days running up mountains then drinking coffee by a Norwegian fjord.
If you could live in any movie universe, which one would it be and why? I definitely dreamt of getting that letter from Hogwarts when I was 11, but it never came.
How long have you worked at Sport Wales? I started in mid-August.
Simon Stephens
What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you’d recommend? Creativity, Inc. It’s written by Pixar co-founder, Ed Catmull and talks about his journey as a leader when creating Pixar Animation. It’s fascinating, especially the process of peer review around Pixar films.
Who would you want to play you in a film of your life? Steve Coogan, preferably as Alan Partridge.
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Learning to play the piano.
List two things that annoy you… Bad manners. Cruelty to animals.
What animal would you choose to be? A dog. The unconditional love, loyalty and joy they bring is remarkable. We can learn a lot from them.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago? To be present and enjoy every moment.
You get to choose four famous people (dead or alive) to join you for dinner – who are you asking? Ayrton Senna, Thierry Henry, Sammy Davis Jr., Catherine O’Hara.
What or who were you obsessed with growing up? Wrestling, absolutely loved it. Elbow drops off the windowsill and body slamming inanimate objects. Parents didn’t think much of it though…
Happiness is… Positivity and laughter.
Guilty pleasure? Metal music. Saturday morning, headphones on, ready to attack house chores. What a time to be alive.
Tell us something about yourself that you’re really proud of. My work ethic. Even if something is completely new to me, or I don’t immediately understand, I’ll always put in the work until I do.
What was your first job? Working the night shift at Memory Lane Cakes during my first year of sixth form. Turns out you really can have too much cake!
If you could cameo in a TV show which one would you pick? Dexter - it'd be great to maybe survive an episode too.
If you could be one sports star for a day, who would you be? Lewis Hamilton. Phenomenal talent and a good human being.
If you could live in any movie universe, which one would it be and why? Wallace and Gromit. I absolutely love the optimism and innovation in their world.
How long have you worked at Sport Wales? Since 15 June 2026.