By Grace Sim/Red Sports
Olivia Flanagan in action for Singapore against Papua New Guinea. (Photo © Mookken Chandran/Red Sports)
As the Nations Cup 2013 got under way, one player has asserted her dominance on the netball arena at Toa Payoh Sports Hall. Three days into the competition, Olivia Flanagan had already made 15 interceptions for the Singapore team – the highest number so far – to become the most successful defender in the tournament. The athletic 1.81m netballer plays the game with seeming ease to bring an unprecedented grace and flair to the court. With her timely interceptions on defence to force turnovers, Flanagan is a great asset for Singapore and definitely the player to look out for.
Flanagan held only three international caps coming into the tournament and was first unbeknownst to many. At 31 years of age, Flanagan’s driven persona is the perfect example of how it is never too late to realize your dream as long as you set your mind to it. Her seamless blend into the team play is made all the more remarkable having just joined the National Opens squad recently.
Red Sports got up close and personal with the delightful addition to the Singapore side and find out what makes the lanky defender tick.
Grace Sim: What are your thoughts on Singapore’s performance so far?
Olivia Flanagan: The strength of our team is our versatility; we’ve got such strong players that if we have to swap it around we still feel really confident. People that are on the bench will try their hardest when they come on court. We’ve got faith in those players.
How do you feel representing Singapore for the first time on home ground?
Olivia: I was really really nervous ‘cos I felt like I had to prove myself. After I got the first game over and done with, and I thought that I played well against Ireland, I felt that everyone was behind me and that gave me a lot more confidence and so I think I’ve continued (having) that confidence into the next two games.
I get pumped up with adrenaline in big matches, it makes me want to go for everything. Some things I shouldn’t go for and I know I should hold back but I get excited so that’s kind of an upside and also a downside to my play.
How did you come to represent Singapore?
Olivia: I’ve got a teaching job here with Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) International so I’ve been here for two and a half years now. I’ve been playing Netball Super League (NSL) for two years with Bedok King Vipers now and I got the MVP defender [award] for the tournament this year which was really nice. Then I got invited to train with the (National) Opens and from there I got asked to the trials which I was pleased to get selected into.
So NSL was the platform for you to come into the National team?
Olivia: Yea. I really enjoyed NSL this year. I played a lot better than my first year. The climate really helps. I feel really fit at the moment. Being in a hot country makes me do more exercise.
How do you feel being the oldest in the team?
Olivia: It’s funny because even though I’m the oldest, I probably don’t act the oldest. The girls are really sensible; they think I’m a bit crazy. The girls are so mature, I get on with them really well. They are easy to relate to and they make me feel really welcome.
What is your Netball story?
Olivia: I started off playing in school, and then I played for a local club and then from there you represent your county where you play for the region. When I was about 17 I got selected into the England Youth squad and from there when I got into University of Loughborough. I got selected to play the Super Cup in 2001 which is now called the Super League.
Who do you look up to?
Olivia: I used to play with Olivia Murphy who was the captain of England. I played with her in Super Cup and county as well. She’s just amazing, similar to Nurul Baizura in the way that she’s great on attack and defence. Olivia is such a great person; she’s really encouraging and helped me develop.
Any pointers to being a defender?
Olivia: I watch the feeders and I suss out how good the feeders are. If they are a weak feeder, I’ll try and go for those passes. If I see them being tactical and faking the pass, I’ll hold back a bit more.
How do you motivate yourself?
Olivia: I always think that I’ve not achieve my best. I never let anything go to my head so I always think that I should work harder. That attitude keeps me going a lot more. I never feel complacent; I never think I did a really good job and that I can relax. I can always do better.
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