Olympic gold medallist and former professional hockey player for Great Britain, Georgie Twigg MBE is now senior associate within Bird & Bird’s sports practice, where she champions gender equality, advises on sports commercial matters, and brings a unique athlete’s perspective to legal challenges.
Known for her drive, humility, and fierce competitiveness – (even at office socials!) Georgie is passionate about growing women’s sport sustainably, supporting grassroots initiatives, and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
Off the pitch and outside the office, she enjoys good food, wine, and spending time with family and friends, all while living by her trademark mantra: Carpe Diem. In this InnConversation, Georgie shares her journey from elite sport to law, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what keeps her motivated both personally and professionally.
The skills you develop as an athlete - teamwork, leadership, working under pressure, time management, managing conflict - are invaluable. You experience and have to perform so much under scrutiny that you grow as a person, and those skills hold you in good stead and are so transferable when you move into the professional world. Now working in sports law, having an athlete’s perspective can be helpful. Having been on the ground as a professional athlete gives me a different lens to view legal challenges through.
I carried the Olympic torch in the relay in Bristol! My university nominated me, so I got to do that before London 2012. It was such an inspiring day - people lining the streets, the excitement, the energy. It was humbling to be part of something so big with so many incredible people.
Women’s sport has grown significantly - it’s been amazing to see. From the Lionesses and Red Roses to our success at Rio and the netballers at the Commonwealth, viewership has risen, investment is coming in, and sponsors are actively seeking involvement with women’s teams. Social media has also raised athlete profiles, which wasn’t the case 10 years ago.
That said, there’s still work to do. Big moments are great, but we need people tuning in week in, week out - becoming lifelong fans like in the men’s game. Sponsors also need to commit to grassroots development, not just headline events, for sustainable growth."
Georgie and Ellie agree how even small changes signal progress, such as search engines like google now showing both men’s and women’s teams when you look up clubs, like Arsenal for example.
Georgie also pointed to Andy Murray's firm correction during a Wimbledon press conference, when a reporter claimed Sam Querrey was the first U.S. player to reach a major semifinal since 2009. Murray promptly interrupted, stating, "Male player," emphasising the achievements of female players like Serena and Venus Williams, Coco Vandeweghe, and Madison Keys during that period. This moment, which garnered widespread praise, underscores how such gestures can significantly impact visibility and recognition for women in sport.
Sessions Arts Club - it’s close to the office and really lovely food. The restaurant itself is amazing and it’s a nice excuse to go!
I get to work on something I’m genuinely passionate about, which feels unique. The women’s sports space is very collaborative - everyone shares the same goal of growth. Networking and business development doesn’t feel like work.
One highlight was organising an event with Katherine Grainger, where I hosted a Q&A with her. It’s inspiring to connect with amazing women and share their stories.
Definitely the culture. I really enjoy the people I work with and Bird & Bird have supported me throughout my career. I did my vacation scheme whilst at university and didn’t start my training contract until September 2016. I was meant to start after 2012, but wanted to continue training towards Rio. They allowed me to defer my contract, always kept in touch, and took the pressure off me, which was amazing.
Balancing hockey with my degree up to 2012, then doing my LPC in 2013, wasn’t easy. Bird & Bird’s support made it possible for me to pursue both my sport and career ambitions, and I’m still here because it’s genuinely a great place to work.
'GAME, SET, HATCH'. It’s a mix of a sport theme and a bird pun - both obviously very fitting!
Something to do with food - I love cooking and entertaining. I don’t think I’d be a chef, but something in that space would be fun.
Haha, maybe! And then I’d have to think about what I’d cook.
How extremely competitive I am in literally everything, although I’m not sure how surprising that actually is! Even at socials - table tennis, darts, table football - I can’t help but get competitive.
Ellie: I bet no one in your department wants to play against you!!
Georgie: ….
Since stopping club hockey, I’ve taken up golf and padel, though golf has taken a backseat since having a baby! My husband played for the men’s GB hockey team, so we enjoy staying active and watching sport.
Image © Ady Kerry
Be confident in your ability. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there or ask questions. When I joined the GB senior squad as the youngest member, I was naturally reserved - but speaking up and believing in yourself is so important. Imposter syndrome can creep in, especially in intimidating environments. Being one of the only women in a room full of men, you need to remember you have every right to be there.
An unbelievable memory. If I could remember every case, clause, and client detail, it would be incredibly useful.
With good food and good wine, surrounded by family and friends.
Yes, definitely. Working on media rights and sponsorship agreements makes me notice things like sponsor placement, broadcaster choices, and branding at matches. During COVID, renegotiating rights and contracts made me watch games differently - spotting branding on chairs and perimeter boards and thinking, 'oh, we did that contract!'
Carpe Diem - seize the day. My husband rolls his eyes when I say it, but I really believe in making the most of things and not taking life for granted!
I’m in my second term, and I love it. It’s an opportunity to stay involved in Olympic sport. The Athlete Commission advises the BOA on decisions affecting Team GB providing the athlete voice. The BOA genuinely values our opinions, and it’s great to work with people from different sports.
I recently went to Paris 2024 with the BOA to support the team and it was great to experience the Olympics and see other sports in a different capacity.
Image © Ady Kerry
Image courtsey of Glorious Sport
The legal industry still suffers from underrepresentation at the top level from women and I’d love to see that balance shift in the future. Lots of firms are putting in initiatives to change that, as Bird & Bird has, so hopefully progress is being made and will continue to do so.
Georgie proves you can be a champion both on the field and in the boardroom. From pushing the boundaries of women’s sport to balancing life as a lawyer, Olympic athlete, and mum, she’s living proof that passion, drive, and a competitive streak can take you anywhere.
