Balancing a high-pressure legal career with elite-level sport sounds almost impossible—but Victoria Boid is doing just that. As a partner at Ison Harrison Solicitors and a Great Britain triathlete, she proves that determination, strategy, and passion can make the seemingly unachievable a reality. In a recent episode of The Business Compass podcast, host Richard Coulthard sat down with Victoria to discuss her journey, the legal challenges facing athletes, and what it takes to succeed in both worlds.
Victoria’s path to law was driven by ambition and a little family influence. With a former footballer for a father, she was encouraged to pursue a “proper job,” which led her to Cardiff University to study law. While she built her reputation in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate law, her passion for sport never faded. After starting a family, cycling became a way to stay fit, gradually evolving into a full-fledged competitive pursuit. Before long, representing Great Britain in triathlons became a reality.
What Athletes Need to Know
Athletes, particularly those outside the elite level, often underestimate the legal implications of sponsorship agreements, employment contracts, and investment opportunities. Unclear contract terms can lead to financial risk, making expert legal guidance essential. Whether it’s structuring sponsorship deals, protecting intellectual property, or securing financial stability, understanding the legal landscape can help athletes and businesses thrive.
Staying Competitive as a Sports Club
Sports clubs face similar challenges, operating much like any other business. Securing sponsorships, negotiating contracts, and managing resources all require careful legal consideration. Ensuring compliance and long-term financial stability in an unpredictable industry is crucial, and having the right legal support can make all the difference.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and the Business of Sport
Mergers and acquisitions also play a significant role in the sports and business sectors. Business owners, often emotionally invested in their companies, must navigate complex negotiations and financial structures. Leveraging third-party funds can facilitate acquisitions but introduces risks that require careful management. Deferred payments, now common in business transactions, add further complexity, making robust legal protections essential to securing a smooth transition.
Strategy, Support, and Legal Protection
Success in both business and sport requires preparation, adaptability, and the right support network. Whether negotiating a major deal or striving for peak performance in competition, having the right team in place is key. By understanding the legal intricacies of sports and business law, athletes and entrepreneurs alike can position themselves for long-term success.
Victoria’s story is an inspiring reminder that ambition doesn’t have to be confined to a single path. Whether you’re an athlete looking for legal guidance, a business owner planning your next move, or simply someone striving to balance multiple passions, Victoria’s journey offers motivation and practical insight.
Listen to the full conversation on The Business Compass podcast, and if you need expert legal advice on sports law, business transactions, or any legal matter, please get in touch with Ison Harrison Solicitors. Call 0113 284 5000 or email hello@isonharrison.co.uk.
