Kate Stephens

April 2001

 
 
Profile - Kate Stephens

Age:
25
Time in sport: 4 years
Number of jumps: 1,100
Number of jumps in past year: 300
Slot on VMax: inside centre

Favourite DZ:
DeLand. You feel like a valued customer and it’s a great environment for training with loads of top teams for inspiration and advice.

Most memorable jump:  
My first one –  being totally petrified and having the biggest adrenaline rush ever was amazing.  

What strengths do you bring to the team?  
Can take the initiative, mostly organised, pretty chilled out. (I hated that question so I asked Liz, my team-mate!)

And your weaknesses?  
I can be stubborn, I’m always cold, I take too long in the shower and my arms are weak.

What do you like about being in an all-female team?
There’s no bullshit. Everyone is always happy to say how they feel.

Skydiving tip: 
Don’t think too much. Keep your head up and look to where you need to be. Smile and have fun - people jump better when they are relaxed.

Beauty tip: 
Use sunscreen so you don’t get wrinkly too young.  
Don’t take make-up advice from Dame Barbara Cartland

Favourite position:
Variety is the spice of life.

Favourite underwear:
Real silk french knickers and camisole. Every woman should have some beautiful, elegant underwear.

To what do you find it hardest to say no? 
My boyfriend naked and Walkers cheese and onion crisps (in that order!). Both are divine.

Favourite film: 
One that doesn’t make me cry. Being sentimental, there aren’t many.

Ideal way to relax: 
Hot bath, candles, chill music and a glass of Rioja.

What’s your perfect day out? 
Lunch lasting all afternoon and evening consisting of a gazillion courses of really tasty French food with lots of great wine and fab company

What are your other interests? 
Travelling - been through Mexico, Central America and Vietnam, I’d love to spend some time in South America. I liked scuba diving too.

What winds you up? 
People who talk about how great they are.

What’s your philosophy? 
There’s lots of fun to be had, make sure you get your fair share

Favourite quote: 
“They know how to like, like few people do.” I read it in a French poetry cafe in North Vietnam. It described the people there who have a thousand hardships in their lives, yet manage to keep life in perspective. We have a lot to learn from them. 

Describe yourself in three words: 
Determined, round-bottomed, happy

Anything to add? 
To everyone who’s given us support, a big thank-you. To those who haven’t, I show my rather large naked bottom to you!
 

Photo: Brian Vacher

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