As the Official Training Partner of Liverpool FC, and a believer that everyone should have the confidence to Know You Can, we wanted to help our colleagues who’re pushing the boundaries in their sports every day!
So, we created the AXA Sports Champions Fund to give colleagues who compete at a national level the opportunity to apply for funding to support their sporting endeavours.
We always knew we had amazing colleagues at AXA UK&I, but we were truly surprised by the diverse sports that they take part in at such a high level while working for AXA.
Introducing the second cohort of AXA Sports Champions
Meet Lucy Crookston
Social Media Content Producer for AXA UK and Great Britain Age Group Triathlete
Triathlon is so much more than just swim, bike and run to me. It's an amazing, unique community of people who all share the same values. Travelling to new places, meeting new people, and giving me the opportunity to be a better version of myself. Racing and doing well is so rewarding but at the end of the day I always like to remind myself that I do this sport because I love and enjoy it.
Meet Andrea Fairless
Digital Sustainability Lead for AXA UK and player for the Wales Over 60’s Women’s Hockey team
I got hooked on hockey back when I started in secondary school. When my kids were growing up, I stopped playing, never expecting to get back into it, but in 2017, after a 12-year break from hockey, I became a returner! And the following year, I was selected for the first time, to play for Wales Over 50s. I proved to myself that I could still live my life, I was still me and that you are never too old to get involved. Playing for my country is extremely inspiring. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a squad of like-minded ladies, all of a similar age. Age is no barrier!
Meet Bernadetta Nelson
Senior Internal Auditor for AXA Ireland and European Age Group CrossFit champion
I started CrossFit in late 2018, initially drawn to the idea of varied training and the sense of community in the sport. What really hooked me was how it pushed me to exceed my limits—both mentally and physically. As I progressed, I found myself getting stronger, faster, and more confident, which motivated me to take it more seriously and pursue it competitively. This commitment to personal growth will pay off in the future by keeping me strong, resilient, and ready for challenges, both in sports and in life.
Meet Megan Proctor
Continuous Improvement Specialist for AXA UK Commercial and England Pool Player
I think doing something you’re passionate about outside of work is so fulfilling. Socialising with other girls from all over the world and learning from them is something I really enjoy. Pool makes my mind go quiet, especially after a busy day... it just helps me relax. I think team sport is so rewarding, so playing with England really makes me buzz.
Meet Steven McGuire
Test Automation Engineer for AXA Ireland and Ireland Masters Powerlifting athlete
Powerlifting means a great deal to me and has had a profound impact on my life. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today. As a young person, I struggled with self-confidence and was quite reserved. However, through powerlifting, I have been able to build my self-confidence and enhance my self-esteem. This sport has not only made me physically stronger but has also contributed to my mental and emotional well-being. As a happy side-effect it keeps me in shape too!
Meet Chris Morris
Intermediary Performance Consultant for AXA UK Retail Representing Austria in Rugby 7s
Throughout school and university, rugby has played a central part in my life. The sense of community and camaraderie that comes from being part of a rugby team has always been one of the main attractions of the sport and has led to my teammates becoming some of my closest friends. Alongside the physical challenges of trying to tackle someone twice your size, rugby embodies core values such as discipline, respect, and integrity, all of which provide a solid foundation not only for performance on the field but also for personal growth off it as well.
