O 2 s n o i t Ques
We put our probing Q&A to Llangollen gym owner Jemma Stubbs who, having been crowned Wales’ Strongest Woman, recently went on to win Britain’s Strongest Woman – the first Welsh woman to take the title
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Full (real) name – including any embarrassing middle names Jemma Stubbington. I go by Stubbs simply because my maiden name was Tunnington and Stubbington is just too ridiculously similar.
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What do you do? I'm a personal trainer. I own Stubbs Fitness, a private studio gym in Llangollen, where I do one-to-one coaching, classes and personal training. Who shares your life? I live with my husband, my daughter Willow, who’s 13, and son Dylan, 10, a spaniel, two Frenchies and four cats.
The highlight of the last 12 months? After a surprise first place at Wales’ Strongest Woman, I went straight into preparations for Britain’s Strongest Woman. A Welsh woman had never podiumed before. When they called my name and I knew I’d won, and I looked up and saw my kids crying in the crowd – that was the best! And the worst moment? Definitely the nerves I experienced before Wales’ Strongest Woman. I had to lock myself in the toilet to cry so no one would see me. It’s a hard job trying to be big and tough!
If you could come back as any animal, what would you be and why? An eagle. They symbolise strength and a connection with creation. Plus, they can fly high in the mountains and they live in beautiful, remote places. Your desert island single and what it means to you? I have a strange relationship with music. I have to be in the mood. Give me a podcast instead.
If you were representing your country in the Olympics which sport would you choose? I suppose I should say Olympic lifting, but I don’t enjoy Olympic lifting. So I'll choose equestrian eventing. What is your favourite drink? Coconut water.
If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would you have the best chance of winning? The thought of any is amusing. I’d like to say Strictly, but my clients who have to endure my dancing while they’re training may disagree. I’ll go for the jungle.
What is your guilty pleasure? The first thing that springs to mind is new socks. I struggle to walk past the shop by the gym without buying new stance socks. It’s a real issue. When did you last laugh uncontrollably and why? Probably watching my training partner learn to split-jerk with a dumbbell. It was comedy gold. You’re hosting a celebrity dinner party for four guests – who’s on the list? Off the top of my head: Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Lomu, Barrack Obama and Kathrine Switzer.
If you could have one superpower what would it be? OK, this is a hard one. I'd like to possess the power to influence all forms of peace.
Where is your favourite place in the world? Chapel Porth, Cornwall. Some of my very best memories are of family trips in the van to the beach.
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Who is your all-time hero? I find inspiration and heroism in an awful lot of people in my life. I've never put one single person on a pedestal.
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Any fears or phobias? I’m very claustrophobic, to the point where I struggle to go to the cinema if the exit isn’t clear.
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What would be the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? A huge gym full of top-notch equipment!
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What would be your dream job (other than your own)? I love what I do now! But if I could be a full-time athlete, I would. At the moment, in the main, that’s reserved for men. But the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) just awarded 12 female players paid contracts, so watch this space. Other sports may follow.
What’s your proudest achievement? Honestly? Every time I see how cool my kids are, I feel proud. I know I didn’t do that – they are cool all by themselves – but it still makes me beam with pride. It isn’t easy bringing up kids, but seeing them develop into young adults, how amazing they are as people, that’s pretty special. March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 35
