“Sport has always been my constant. No matter where I’ve lived, it’s been something that grounds me.”
Belle’s story stretches across countries and cultures. Born in the United Kingdom but raised between Europe and the Middle East, she grew up surrounded by different languages, people, and perspectives. Moving so often shaped her into someone adaptable, open minded and deeply empathetic. “When you grow up between different places, you learn to listen, to understand and to connect,” she says. “That’s something sport taught me too.”
From a young age, Belle found freedom and joy through sport. She started with football and swimming, where she discovered discipline and teamwork. Later came horse riding, which she loved for years, and eventually weightlifting, which she discovered at university. It was there that her connection to sport became something deeper. “Weightlifting gave me confidence,” she says. “It’s such a mental sport. It’s you versus yourself. You learn to push past limits and to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.”
What began as a hobby quickly became a community that taught her patience, consistency and belief in herself. Those lessons in quiet perseverance became the foundation for everything that followed. For Belle, sport has never been just about competition. It is about growth, about the moments of doubt that turn into strength, and the people who help you along the way.
From Passion to Purpose
As she grew older, Belle’s passion for sport evolved beyond participation. She became increasingly interested in the systems and people that make sport possible, from governance and athlete welfare to policy and education. This curiosity guided her toward a career that blends academia and social impact.
After completing her undergraduate degree in Global Challenges and Security, she pursued a Master’s in International Law, focusing on how international frameworks can promote fairness and equality. Her academic background gave her the tools to understand how policies affect real lives and how good governance can empower athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
During the summer, Belle had the opportunity to complete an internship with the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) and attend the Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi. There, she met inspiring people from across the sports world and saw firsthand how passionate young athletes are. “Watching how determined and driven the youth were reminded me why it’s so important to give them a voice,” she says. “They’re the future of sport, and they deserve to be heard.”
During her time with IFMA, Belle also contributed to projects supporting neutral athletes from conflict-affected countries, helping ensure that sport remains a fair, safe, and empowering space for everyone. These experiences deepened her commitment to inclusion and strengthened her belief in sport’s ability to unite people across borders. Now working with United Through Sports (UTS), Belle continues to apply her experience and knowledge to initiatives that focus on inclusion, safeguarding, and athlete education. Her work allows her to help shape opportunities for young people while promoting equality and positive values across international sporting communities.
“I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when people feel safe and supported in sport,” she explains. “That’s when they grow, that’s when they believe in themselves. It’s not just about medals or rankings; it’s about building character and confidence.”
Equality and Empowerment
For Belle, social responsibility in sport begins with inclusion, creating environments where women, young people, and marginalised communities can thrive. She is particularly passionate about ensuring equal opportunity and breaking down the barriers that still exist in many sports.
“Representation matters,” she says. “When young girls see women leading, competing, and succeeding in sport, they start to believe that they can too. That’s the kind of change I want to help drive.”
Belle believes sport should reflect the diversity of the world it represents and that integrity and respect should be at the heart of every sporting community. “There’s so much focus on winning,” she adds. “But the real power of sport is how it brings people together and teaches values like respect, humility, and perseverance.”
Her humanitarian approach also stems from her international background. Having lived across different societies, she has seen how sport can transcend language and nationality. Whether in a gym, a classroom, or a Muaythai ring, she believes that sport teaches people to connect through shared purpose. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. When you’re in a sporting environment, everyone speaks the same language of effort and respect.”
Proud Moments and Purposeful Work
Looking back, there are two projects from Belle’s studies that truly represent the kind of work she cares about and the direction she wants to keep moving in.
The first was during an internship in her second year, where she led a policy research project on the United Nations Women, Peace and Security agenda and how it could be applied in rural Fiji. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that helped her connect global ideas to real community needs. She learned how important it is to make policy practical and people focused, rather than something that only exists on paper. Presenting the final report and seeing it well received gave her a real sense of confidence in her ability to use research to create something meaningful.
The second project focused on helping civil society organisations in London find better ways to be seen and heard. Belle and her team spoke with founders and volunteers from different backgrounds, each with their own story and mission. Hearing about their challenges and goals was incredibly insightful and reminded her why communication and representation matter so much. What made it especially memorable was seeing some of their recommendations actually put into practice. It was satisfying to know that something they worked on could make a tangible difference.
Both experiences shaped how Belle approaches her work today. They reminded her that whether it is in sport, policy, or community projects, she is most motivated by work that connects people, gives them a voice, and creates positive, practical change.
A Journey Shaped by Growth and Empathy
Upon reflection Belle sees how much her upbringing influenced her path. Moving often as a child made her adaptable, and sport made her resilient. Together, those experiences shaped her philosophy that growth happens when people are supported and believed in.
Her story reflects the journey of someone who found empowerment through sport and now dedicates herself to giving that same opportunity to others. Whether through academic research, policy development, or direct work with athletes, Belle continues to advocate for a world where sport is not only competitive but also compassionate and inclusive.
“Sport gave me confidence when I didn’t have it. It taught me to be strong, but also to be empathetic,” she reflects. “That’s why I care so much about helping others find their strength, because I know how much it can impact your life.”
For Belle, the future of sport lies in inclusion, education, and empathy, ensuring that every athlete, no matter where they come from, feels seen, valued, and safe. Through her work, she continues to bridge governance with humanity, showing that when sport is done right, it can be one of the most powerful forces for connection and change.
