Halle Berry: Philip: I'd choose Halle Berry to play me in a film about my life... she's quite pretty

Friday 4 April 2014

Philip: I'd choose Halle Berry to play me in a film about my life... she's quite pretty

By Laura Williamson
PUBLISHED: 10:29, 8 March 2014 | UPDATED: 11:03, 8 March 2014

In this week's It's Top Secret, British 60m champion Asha Philip talks about Grease, Halle Berry, the Williams sisters... and pigeons

Star quality: Asha Philip sprints at the 60m heats at the World Indoor Athletics Championships

Who is your sporting hero?
It was all about Serena and Venus Williams, even though I didn’t play tennis. My mum Sharon always has it on the TV — she’s a tennis nut.
What would you be if you weren’t a sportswoman?
I would either work in TV or be a drama or maths teacher. My mum, her two sisters and my sister all teach maths.

Hero: Philip is a huge fan of tennis, and Serena Williams in particular

Career highlight?
Winning two world titles — one in trampoline (the double mini girls’ title in 2005) and the other in athletics (the 100m at the 2007 World Youth Championships).
... And the worst moment?
Breaking my leg (at the Trampoline World Championships in 2007). I had got to the point where I was going to choose between trampoline and athletics but I wanted a final gold medal — and I never got the chance. I had two operations and I was on crutches for so long, but now I’m back, finally.
If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?
That’s a hard one. Probably pictures: I’ve got some baby photos I’d like to keep.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Run fast! No, it was probably from my mum: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I think that applies to every sport, but particularly in athletics.
What’s the one programme you can’t miss on tv?
Revenge. I’m hooked. If I miss even the first few minutes I have to sit down on my own and watch it all again from start to finish. I can’t help it.

Super fan: Philip loves the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John film , Grease

Last film you saw?
Probably Grease. It’s the dancing and singing — I love it! If Sister Act was on I would happily watch that... and I would probably know all the words.
Favourite pre-race meal?
As long as it’s got meat in it, I don’t care!
Can you cook? Best dish?
I’m an all right cook. Fried chicken is probably my speciality.
Your favourite holiday destination?
The Maldives. I haven’t been but I just know I would like it!
In a film of your life, who would YOU like to play you?
I’m a tough character to play, but maybe a younger Halle Berry. She’s quite pretty, isn’t she?

Multi-talented: Philip would have Halle Berry playing her in a film. She has appeared in James Bond and The Call

If you could have three people, dead or alive, round for dinner, who would they be?
Beyonce for music, Nelson Mandela because I would have loved to have met him and Tyler Perry, the film director.
Tell us a secret...
I’m afraid of pigeons. If I see them coming towards me, even if I’m in the car, I duck because I think they’re going to attack me. They are not afraid of anything, those birds! If I ever have children they will certainly be staying away from Trafalgar Square.