As International Day of the Girl is celebrated, rising junior Wambui Taylor is drawing inspiration from powerful role models – and showing inspirational qualities of her own.
Canberra, Australia , 11 October 2022 | Vivienne Christie
When Wambui Taylor is asked to name who has been most influential in her tennis development, the Canberra teenager doesn’t hesitate to name a close and enduring role model.
“My mum has been there from day one,” said Wambui, who took up the game at age eight after an earlier interest in horse-riding. “A lot of the opportunities that I’ve been able to experience have been as a result of my mum supporting me from day one in my journey.”
That journey so far for Wambui includes representing the ACT in national team events, as well as competing in a range of ITF tournaments throughout Australia. Earlier this year, the 16-year-old was named the ACT’s Female Junior Athlete of the Year.
Wambui acknowledges the support of her long-time coach, Reza Thompsett, in achieving those impressive milestones. “He really goes above and beyond … he’s put so many hours into building me as a tennis player,” she explained.
Further positivity is drawn from the teenager’s favourite professional player. “Rafael Nadal has definitely been my biggest inspiration in tennis – just because of the way he carries himself on and off the court,” Wambui related.
“I feel like he gives back to the sport so much. His attitude on the court, his never-say-die spirit, his discipline, his fight for every single point. I think that’s really admirable and I like to bring that to my own game – not only his athleticism, but also his attitude.”
Meanwhile, the recently-turned 16-year-old is showcasing many role model qualities of her own.
While she juggles her Year 10 studies with hours-long daily practice and fitness sessions (typically one in the morning and another in the afternoon), the Canberra Grammar student also finds time to support younger athletes.
As a participant in Tennis NSW’s Future Leaders program, Wambui is completing a project in which she is creating a tournament for younger students at the school.
“I do love giving back to the sport, because I feel like if it wasn’t for the people that I met through it, and the people that supported me, I wouldn’t be where I am,” she said.
It’s a positive outlook that the teenager also applies to another extra-curricular project of…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…