Handball

Handball: Natasha Ratcliffe

What got you interested in the competition?

I decided to enter this competition because I love coins and medals and this popped up in the press and it was a fantastic opportunity.

Why did you choose handball for your design?

I’ve never played handball but when I’ve watched it people are jumping around and their arms are always high with so much action, they are always off the ground and it reminded me of sponge ball games when you are a kid, hurling balls at each other, very dynamic and I wanted to get that on the coin.

What was the inspiration behind your idea?

When I was researching how to do this coin I was looking mainly at photos of the people because I really wanted a personal aspect in there and I was trying to find the best, most dynamic poses but then I realised it looked a little like basketball so in goes the pitch, I had to throw that in at the background but the way that its laid on top makes it, it gives it really good depth and the background almost makes it look like there’s a crowd around the pitch as well.

How do you feel about being part of the London 2012 Olympic Games?

It’s really special to be part of the Olympics, to not be a sportsman and not being able to win the one hundred metre sprint but to be involved in a totally different level and to meet so many people, it’s amazing.