{"id":24856,"date":"2020-05-14T15:23:05","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T15:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=24856"},"modified":"2020-05-15T10:46:26","modified_gmt":"2020-05-15T10:46:26","slug":"catching-up-with-nfto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/catching-up-with-nfto\/","title":{"rendered":"Catching up with NFTO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NFTO Skydiving Team \u2013 Not For The Ordinary, an apt name for this killer group of champions\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A happy team at the end of a hard training camp at Skydive Algarve, 2019-2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNFTO are a really strong team, leading the charge of FS in British skydiving, both in open and female\u201d <\/em><\/strong>
<\/p>Pete Allum <\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NFTO are reigning indoor and outdoor British Champions, winning the Open category two years running as a female team. We interviewed everyone to get a rounded view of the team as well as the gossip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bronze medalists at the 2019 World Cup 2019, Female 4-way
Photo by Willy Boeykens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NFTO competition history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  • Bronze, World Championships 2016, Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Bronze, Indoor World Cup 2016, Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Silver, European Indoor Championships, Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Gold, British Outdoor Nationals 2018, Open & Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Silver, World Championships 2018, Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Gold, British Indoor Nationals 2019, Open & Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Gold, British Nationals 2019, Open & Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Bronze Parachuting World Cup 2019, Female 4-way <\/li>
  • Gold, Wind Games 2020, Female 4-way <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"
    Anna, enjoying every minute of it
    Photo by Simon Brentford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Point: ANNA JACQUELINE HICKS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Jumps:<\/em><\/strong> 4,500<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Previous team history:<\/em><\/strong> World Cup Bronze 2013 \u2013 Bodyflight Isis <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Anna describes herself:<\/em><\/strong> Focused, hardworking, fun-loving.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How her teammates describe her:<\/em><\/strong>  Driven<\/strong> (all of them said this), fast (2), <\/strong>athletic, team player, tenacious, sassy, energised, a lady.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Something about you most people don\u2019t know:<\/em><\/strong> I used to compete at Pony Club as a kid, in mounted games (not as rude as it sounds, and a great team sport!) and Tetrathlon (running, riding, swimming and shooting – my shooting was rubbish).
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pet hate:<\/em><\/strong> People picking their nose.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Training in Arizona before the World Cup 2019,
    Photo by Simon Brentford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s is the secret of keeping a team going for so long? <\/strong><\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anna: <\/strong><\/em>We\u2019ve kept going since 2015 due to a massive drive to succeed, the support of our wonderful sponsors, and importantly our loved ones.  Gareth [Hicks] has been an incredible supporter and advocate for myself and the team, and without him I and the NFTO name wouldn\u2019t have got to where we are.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you integrate new team members?<\/strong><\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anna: <\/strong><\/em>Integration is key \u2013 lots of comms, including them early in the planning process, being good teammates, and getting them to love the brand!   
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How will you cope now with the lockdown? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anna: <\/strong><\/em>We just have to deal with the situation, and concentrate on doing what is right, which is all sticking to the guidelines and helping stop the spread.  While we can\u2019t train together, we\u2019re concentrating on getting even fitter & stronger, and focusing on doing much more visualizing.  For me it\u2019s almost a good thing we\u2019re not training, as work is super busy for me as an Army Doctor. As much the team is basically my life and love, there are bigger issues in the form of COVID-19 right now, and I need and want to do my bit.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are you doing to fight the virus? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anna: <\/strong><\/em>I\u2019m working super hard but I really don\u2019t mind as I feel we are making a difference. I\u2019m not seeing so many patients face-to-face now \u2013 a lot more is over the phone to reduce the risk of spread and exposure \u2013 but the patient workload is still heavy.  I\u2019m also running and managing my practice and its amazing staff. We also spend time advising the local chain of command as the local Medical Subject Matter Experts, and are making sure that Army personnel deploying with the COVID Support Force supporting the NHS are fit to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s it like?\ufeff<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Anna: <\/strong><\/em>It\u2019s busy, at times sad when you see the news, but a fascinating time. It’s fundamentally changed the way we work at primary care with a rapid shift to remote or phone working, and the introduction of e-consulting and other new technologies. There is a huge amount of amazing work being done across the Health Care sector in both the NHS and MoD, from care homes to GP practices to hospitals, with innovation and absolute dedication to the cause. My biggest admiration goes to ambulance crews and the hospital clinicians  \u2013 they are seeing sick patients face-to-face every day, selflessly putting themselves at risk and making some really tough decisions – they have my utter respect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Vana taking a break from the slopes <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Inside Centre: VANA PARKER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Jumps<\/em><\/strong>: 8,000
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Previous team history:<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • 2001\u2013 Team Verve, South African Female Team<\/li>
    • 2003 \u2013 2014 \u2013 Voodoo. SA Champions and British Champions (Open) <\/li>
    • Tanay 2020 [now to be held in 2021] will be my 10th<\/sup> outdoor World Championships!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      How Vana describes herself:<\/em><\/strong> competitive, motivated, thoughtful, experienced (old!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How her teammates describe her: S<\/em>trong <\/strong>(3), caring, lady, warm-natured, sporty, classy determined, well-spoken, strategic, dedicated, family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Something about you people don\u2019t know:<\/em><\/strong> I have 18 animals at home including 2 alpacas. All, except the alpacas, are named after skydiving formations.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I have to ask! What are their names? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Dogs \u2013 Mika and Zigzag. Hamster \u2013 Donut. Chickens: Zipper, Star, Murphy, Crank, Yuan, Hook, Opal, Bunyip, Caterpillar, Zircon, Ritz, Piver, Viper. Alpacas \u2013 Boris and Jason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Pet hate:<\/em><\/strong> Viruses.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"
      NFTO with coach Roy Janssen
      “It’s so important that the coach is part of the team” <\/em>\u2013 Vana <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Who coaches you?<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Mostly Gary Smith and Roy Janssen, our current coach. Both are exceptionally good. It’s so important that the coach is part of the team and also believes that you can reach your goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What are the strengths of NFTO? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>Team dynamics \u2013 we work well together, are all happy to work hard and enjoy doing it. There is also a good mix of talent and experience.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How important are team dynamics? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>Having good team dynamics is everything. When I started jumping in South Africa I was SO keen. My nick name was EB (Energiser Bunny)\u2026 it then got changed to PB (Pushy Bitch) as my \u2018enthusiasm\u2019 meant I pushed my teammates too hard.  I was fortunate to be offered a place on the South Africa Open team in 2003 but on the proviso that I calmed down and became a team player. I have worked hard to be a valuable team player ever since.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What\u2019s the best piece of advice you ever heard? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>Gary Smith always says that we all learn at different speeds \u2013 never doubt yourself or the team.  
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How important is the female 4-way category to the sport? <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>I could (and possibly will) write a book on this topic. The category has been fundamental to the number of talented, experienced female skydivers that you see today. Before 1999 there were one or two women competing in FS internationally. Female teams have been inspirational and great role models for women in a previously male-dominated sport. More women are competing at a higher level now.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How different is a tunnel meet?  Is the energy different without Simon?  <\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>The team enjoys all competitions and puts maximum energy and effort into them. Everyone competed outdoors before indoors. There is something very special about landing together after a competition jump. Simon is very much part of the team and it is strange when he is not with us. If he can, he comes to support and if not is glued to the live stream and always sends messages and comments.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How long is the team commitment for?<\/strong><\/em> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>Forever or at least until we win a gold medal at the outdoor World Champs.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How did you feel when the World Champs 2020, were postponed to 2021?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Vana: <\/em><\/strong>A mixture of sadness and relief. Sadness that we are not going to compete this year, but relief that it is postponed, not cancelled. That gives us the chance to decide whether we want to commit to another year. As it stands, that answer is YES! We’re going to continue! However, there are other variables that have the potential to interfere – money, what’s happening in the world, etc. The truth is, we have unfinished business, we still want to be World Champions!
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"
      Beautiful Si\u00e2n enjoying a fun jump over Panama
      Photo by Milko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Tail: SI\u00c2N KIMBERLEY ANN STOKES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Jumps:<\/em><\/strong> <\/strong>7,000+
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Previous team history:<\/em><\/strong>  Full Stop, with player\/coach Milko. We won all of the intermediate categories in the UK. Bodyflight 4-way female. Isis 4-way Female. 4Mula. Volition UK 4-way female indoors, Silver Worlds
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How Si\u00e2n describes herself:<\/em><\/strong> Determined, Approachable, Fun, Ditsy, Blonde.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How her teammates describe her:<\/em><\/strong>   Talented (3)<\/strong>, friendly, funny, fast, hardcore, busty, dotty, beauty, speedy, skills, fun.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Something about you most people don\u2019t know: <\/strong>I can play the flute.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Pet hate:<\/em>  <\/strong>Bad washing up, in particular dirty cutlery. This makes me sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"
      NFTO, Wind Games Champions 2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      You brought an injection of speed to NFTO. How does a team fly faster without losing precision?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Find the team speed and work from there. There is no point having an individual speed if it\u2019s different to the team speed as you lose the rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What\u2019s your plan to beat the French at the rescheduled World Championships?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>The plan is not to focus on other teams; instead concentrate on our own competition, be the best team WE can be on the ground but also in the air. We cannot dictate how another team performs but we can dictate our own performance, including positive mental and physical attitude.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How are you training in the off-season in Northern Europe? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>All the time. Gotta take every opportunity  \u2013 training never stops (see video)\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sian.stokes.56\/videos\/10162926232635510\/UzpfSTc1NDMxMTgwNzoxMDE1ODkwMzcwNjMyNjgwOA\/\n<\/div>
      Traning hard… really hard…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Why are you so competitive? <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Love the personal challenge\/scared of failure! You try living with Milko!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What\u2019s the medal you\u2019re most proud of and why?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Winning British Nationals 2018! I had joined the team just a few weeks and it\u2019s fair to say we were the underdogs. We had no real expectations for the podium. However, with a few weeks\u2019 hard intense training and the belief from our incredible coaches, Roy and Gary, we managed the gold! From round one there was only 1 point in it, which continued pretty much the whole comp, the pressure was on, thanks to Satori for the experience.
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Who\u2019s the fastest flyer?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Obviously Simon, after all he has competed in Speed \ud83d\ude09 Simon’s top speed was an impressive 265mph!
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Who takes the longest to get ready?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Simon \u2013 he takes ages in the shower, and he has the least hair (go figure).
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What is the most important ingredient for 4-way success?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Si\u00e2n: <\/em><\/strong>Have fun! Remember why we do this, we spend every penny we can, what\u2019s the point if you don\u2019t enjoy it? But also remember to embrace it as a team, you won’t always get on, you may not be the best of friends everyday but having a good team bond will help with success.
      <\/p>\n\n\n


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