How much do you really know about your colleagues? This month, we're getting the lowdown on Thea Haines, Sport Science Technician, and Bec Mellor, Communications Assistant.
Would you like to take part in a future edition? If so, please get in touch with amy.crane@sport.wales.
Thea Haines
What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you’d recommend? Normal People - a great book and TV show, but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
Who would you want to play you in a film of your life? Saoirse Ronan. People say we look similar, especially when we were both younger.
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Speed Skating, I nearly gave it a go during my undergrad, but training was too early in the morning for me.
List two things that annoy you… Slow walkers and tea that’s gone cold.
What animal would you choose to be? A dalmatian, I think they’re very stylish.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago? You don’t need to worry so much, it all works out.
You get to choose four famous people (dead or alive) to join you for dinner – who are you asking? Chappell Roan, Mae Martin, Robert Pattinson and Meryl Streep.
What or who were you obsessed with growing up? Harry Potter, I had a full wardrobe full of merch and you wouldn’t catch me wearing anything else.
Happiness is…Walking in the park with my dog and supporting the people I love.
Guilty pleasure? Rewatching Twilight every Autumn (and throughout the rest of the year too).
Tell us something about yourself that you’re really proud of. I have just submitted my dissertation, where I evaluated the assessment of dysfunctional breathing in sport, which marks the end of my Masters!
What was your first job? Sales Assistant at Clarks... measuring people’s feet is as bad as it sounds.
If you could cameo in a TV show which one would you pick? Traitors, but I don’t think I would make it very far. I would crumble at the round table.
If you could be one sports star for a day, who would you be? Bryony Page. I did trampolining all through university and I would love to know what it feels like to be so talented (plus it looks really cool).
If you could live in any movie universe, which one would it be and why? Harry Potter, to fulfil my childhood (and current) dreams of being a witch.
How long have you worked at Sport Wales? I started at the end of June this year.
Bec Mellor
What have you read, watched, or listened to recently that you’d recommend? I love listening to “Good Hang” - Amy Poehler’s podcast. She has so many great guests and never fails to make me laugh.
Who would you want to play you in a film of your life? Hard question. I’d maybe have to choose someone like Keeley Hawes – brilliant actress and I would watch her in anything.
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? I’d love to learn to dance. Properly. I did ballet when I was younger, but I’d love to try something contemporary like Commercial dance – being able to move like that would be amazing!
List two things that annoy you… When people are rude to strangers, and when my children put empty wrappers and boxes of food back in the cupboard.
What animal would you choose to be? Ooh, something fierce, like a polar bear.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago? I would channel Michelle Obama and tell myself to remember, “When they go low, we go high.”
You get to choose four famous people (dead or alive) to join you for dinner – who are you asking? Taylor Swift (my girls would kill me if I passed up that opportunity!), Claudia Winkleman, Shonda Rhimes and Sylvia Plath.
What or who were you obsessed with growing up? I was very much Blur, rather than Oasis.
Happiness is… In the sun, on a beach, with a great book.
Guilty pleasure? I do love a good period drama.
Tell us something about yourself that you’re really proud of. I’m proud that things don’t phase me easily. I’m always happy to try something new and I’m always happy to ask the silly questions, risking making myself look like a wally in front of others.
What was your first job? I worked in the café in our local Sainsbury’s.
If you could cameo in a TV show which one would you pick? Ooh, it might have to be MadMen. Loved it. It would be fun to dress in 60s fashion and I have a weakness for mid-century design.
If you could be one sports star for a day, who would you be? Maybe Serena Williams, when she was at the top of her game.
If you could live in any movie universe, which one would it be and why? Not really a “universe”, but one of my favourite books is “The Great Gatsby”, so I’d have to say the gilded age of the 1920s from that film.
How long have you worked at Sport Wales? Two months.