World Masters Ultimate Championships 2024 | Natasha Lim

Natasha ‘Tush’ Lim, currently based near Newcastle, played for Ro Sham whilst a vet student at Edinburgh University. During her time in Scotland, she briefly played with Swift and went to WUCC with Black Eagles in 2018. After playing (and winning) with SMOG Mixed for several years, she now plays with SMOG Women. Natasha is part of the GB women’s squad at WMUC 2024.

When and why did you first start playing ultimate?

My sister introduced me to the sport after she played it during PE. I loved it. So when I went to junior college (6th form) in Singapore, I knew I wanted to join the team. I enjoyed it so much that I chose my university based on how good the frisbee team was!

What (and who) sticks out the most from your time playing ultimate in Scotland?

There were so many vet students on Ro Sham that we could field a line of vets! We crushed Glasgow uni during varsity matches. What I miss a lot from Edinburgh days were Saturday morning goalty sessions on the Meadows. This was the time I got to play with and against club players and I honestly think it is why I love playing zone offence.

Who do you remember being a big influence on you when you started playing at Ro Sham, and why?

Carissa Tong, who was in the year above me at vet school, really mentored me through my university career. She encouraged me to trial for u23 and also the one who introduced me to Bleagles.

Are there any particularly memorable moments from playing with Scottish teams?

My time with Black Eagles at WUCC 2018 is still the most fun and memorable tournament I’ve played. We were a big group of friends that were great at frisbee and great at having fun playing silly games. I have been chasing that ‘high’ ever since.

What’s your ultimate career been like since leaving Scotland?

I continued to play mixed with Smog ultimate. I was lucky enough to get a job in the North East, which is where Smog had a player base. Ultimate has still been my priority in life apart from my actual career.

How did you find SMOG’s transition from mixed to single-gender ultimate this season?  

Honestly, I was a bit sad we stopped playing mixed because I had spent most of my ultimate career in a mixed team. However, this season as Smog Women has been very enjoyable and I have had a lot more responsibility and disc-time. There has also been more FMP development within the team. We do still play a lot of hack!

Other than this masters squad, have you played for GB before?

I played for GBW U23 in 2015 in London. We didn’t do very well at the actual tournament but the season leading up to it was very fun. I still play with some of those teammates now!

What motivated you to trial for GB masters?

I didn’t get the opportunity to play GB seniors and I wanted to play more high-level ultimate. It was also a chance to play with and against a lot of the GB women I had admired since my early university days. The GBWM experience has been amazing, ever since the trial! The team is an insane collection of incredible people and I cannot wait to play with everyone in LA.

How have you been prepping for the tournament?

Apart from the usual gym and sprint sessions, we have been having Zoom sports psychology sessions as a team. These have helped me to get to know my new teammates better and improved awareness about my own game.

How do you feel about World’s being in California? Are there any supporters going over or who will be watching from home?

It’s exciting. I’ve been to San Francisco before but not to LA. Although, I have not planned to tour around the city at all. I’ll be spending a few days hiking at a national park before the tournament. No supporters travelling but they will hopefully be watching if we get streamed.

If you could give your younger self any ultimate advice, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Being conservative is great but sometimes you can be bold.

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Featured photo credit to Rosie Hudson.

The World Masters Ultimate Championships 2024 are taking place from 10th to 16th November 2024 in Irvine, California. Follow along with the event here.