Samantha Bruce Interview
September 19, 2008 @ 12:03 PM - Features: Sports
What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road?
I am such a girl when it comes to packing. I can never seem to pack light! I have this thing where I have to pack for every occasion so I pack at least two possible outfits per day, making sure I’ve got a spare pair of trainers, high heels and ‘going out’ clothes. Then it usually gets a bit random, like torches, first aid bits and bobs and a sewing kit.
What have been your biggest career setbacks?
When I was younger I just wanted to skate all the time and forget about my education, but sense hit me and so I decided to go to university. Then when comps were going on around Europe, I had exams to do. Now I’ve been at uni for two years and the financial burdens were becoming too big, so I had to quit and move back with my mum which has shaken things up a little. I’m still unsure to what path I want to take for a career at the moment, so I’m still using the trial and error method as a way of life. I couldn’t see myself being a full-time professional skater as it’s very rare to be able to make a living out of it. I think its knowing that which has set me back from doing it as a career. At the moment, I’m still trying to work out the right move for me from here on…
What have your greatest achievements been so far?
Being able to travel the world and make so many friends from skating. Experiencing what a lot of people wouldn’t have experienced until their mid to late twenties when I started at 14! I think I took it for granted a lot, but now am starting to really appreciate it all. I also loved experiencing university life and discovering a new passion for basketball, meeting some really good, close friends.
Who or what are your inspirations?
Always my friends! I was never one to get into reading or watching much skate stuff, so never really looked up to anyone famous. It’s just been people I skate with.
What affect does your career have on your personal life?
I used to have to take a lot of time off school, and now I always need to book time off work if I go on trips or have to go to a comp. I’m rarely home so don’t get to see my friends or parents much, so it just feels like I’m never home.
I also have loads of different groups of friends, but two in particular: the skaters and the non skaters. I’ve never been able to merge the two together. It also means that I’m away from home a lot. I just always seem to be on the move, but when an opportunity presents itself, such as traveling the world, I’ll take it!
How do you relax when you get the chance?
If I’ve got the money, I go out shopping - I spent £200 on clothes earlier today! But usually I just watch TV with a big pile of food, then soaking in a bath afterwards and playing with my kitten. If I’m feeling a little more productive then I’ll go and chill out with friends.
What’s up next for you?
I’m going through lots of possible ideas for what the future might hold for me. Personal trainer, physiotherapist, P.E teacher, interpreter: who knows? I’m going to be skating a lot more now that I’ve moved back to London, and I’m going to get myself ready for all the comps that are going to take place next year. Try and save up to do some traveling and aid work. Then just generally take things as they come along. Travelling the world is definitely on the agenda for me. Forever!
Photos by: Bo and Jenna Selby
