For Shanice Beckford-Norton, the Commonwealth Games represent unfinished business.

After helping Team England secure a medal at her first Games, the basketball star is now focused on going one step further next time around.

“We medalled, but we fell short of gold,” she says. “So having that opportunity to go and get gold is huge.”

Basketball has been part of Beckford-Norton’s life from an early age. Inspired by her older brother, she followed him into an academy environment where the ambition to play professionally and represent England felt normal.

“Being surrounded by people who played for England and GB, it just felt like all the stars were aligned for me,” she explains.

From there, her journey took her to the United States at just 15 years old, chasing opportunities through basketball. But while the sport opened doors, the reality of life away from home eventually caught up with her.

“It wasn’t really until college that I realised how hard it actually was,” she says. “There were players just as athletic as me, stronger than me, faster than me.”

The pressure of constantly competing eventually took its toll. Beckford-Norton admits there were moments where she questioned whether she wanted to continue with the sport at all.

“I’ve tried to quit three times,” she says honestly.

A period during COVID, away from the structure of basketball, gave her time to reset and reconnect with herself outside of sport. Returning home to London after years abroad helped her rediscover both balance and enjoyment.

“Being around family again gave me new life,” she says. “It reminded me there’s more to life than just being an athlete.”

Now, with another Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Beckford-Norton approaches preparation differently. Music has become an important part of her routine, helping her stay calm and focused before games and training sessions.

“When I’m stressed or anxious, I even listen to classical music sometimes,” she says. “It helps me get out of my head.”

Asked what separates good athletes from great ones, Beckford-Norton believes it often comes down to the small things people do behind the scenes.

“Doing that little bit extra makes a difference,” she says. “Whether it’s for yourself or the team.”

It’s also the advice she gives to young athletes hoping to follow a similar path.

“Find value in yourself, surround yourself with good people and just go and do it,” she says. “Do the little things and don’t stop.”

With the Commonwealth Games edging closer, Beckford-Norton’s focus is firmly on helping Team England take the next step — and turning a medal-winning experience into a golden one.