Langman Eager To Get Campaign Started
It’s less than one week from the start of the Commonwealth Games and no-one has been counting down the days more than New Zealand Netball team vice-captain Laura Langman.
For 28-year old Langman, this will be her third Commonwealth Games and she says the team is champing at the bit to get out on court and get the job done.
“These two years are what we train and play for,” Langman said.
“It’s the ultimate honour to be named in the New Zealand Netball team for the Commonwealth Games and I’m counting down the days until the action starts.”
The NZ Netball team haven’t lost a match at the Commonwealth Games for 12 years, and although the event is on the other side of the world, Langman admits they’ve done their homework both on and off the court to ensure the team settles in to a good routine.
She says thought has even gone into her pre-match ritual of eating the same thing before each of her 100 test matches for New Zealand, stating it will not be a problem.
“Our tour to the UK back in January was a great opportunity to taste test first hand, the crumpets and muffin splits baked in Glasgow. They all passed and have the tick of approval from me,” she mused.
Before heading offshore, Langman spent some valuable time at home with her husband and family in the small Waikato settlement of Te Pahu.
“Te Pahu is just awesome. Before leaving I spent a few days out there filling up my lungs in the pristine air of Mt Pirongia.
“Dad will fly the New Zealand flag out the front of our house while we’re away - there’s no place like home, that’s for sure!”
Coming from a place of quiet and serenity, the hustle and bustle of the Athlete’s Village in Glasgow will not be everyone’s cup of tea, and Langman says it’s important for each person to take the time to relax and selfishly take some time out so the whole experience doesn’t get too consuming.
“The ability to switch off when in the midst of a major campaign is necessary to maintain a sense of normality and not get too caught up in how much a massive moment the Commonwealth Games is,” she said.
To unwind, Langman prefers to keep it simple and likes to think of herself as a low maintenance roommate.
“I’m very relaxed and enjoy a good hot chocolate, a yarn and a movie!”
“Our programme looks well balanced though, and if the opportunity presents itself we would love to show support to the other Kiwi’s excelling on the world stage.”
“There is huge excitement and support of the wider Kiwi team and we’re expecting some high performance both on and off court.”