Two decades ago, Mandy Minella embarked on a professional tennis career, jet-setting around the world. Now, after playing until last year, she's taken a shot at a career in politics.

On 8 October's national elections, the former professional tennis player was the 6th most voted for person on the DP South’s electoral list.

As DP members in the Chamber took a family photo last Tuesday, Mandy Minella gave a few thoughts on her successful election campaign. She explained that, although she did not expect to win a seat in the Chamber so quickly, she feels motivated by the trust her voters have in her. Her party also helped her prepare for her new role in the Chamber. All of this to say: what motivated her to enter the political arena?

“I believe we have a duty to the next generation. I was given an opportunity to contribute my thoughts and my ideas to the conversation. I thought long and hard about whether or not I should join the electoral list. If I got the opportunity to be elected I wanted to use my energy to invigorate the political scene and help.”

As a politician, Minella wants to promote physical exercise and movement, especially through the Maisons Relais system. She wants to advocate for a so-called “dual career” for performance athletes, allowing them to effectively balance their studies alongside their professional careers. She also supports the flexibility of maternity leave and parental leave, as the mother of two girls. It is a cause that she cares for deeply, and will be able to contribute to as the new chair of the Family Affairs Committee.

Some critics say Minella was only elected due to her existing fame and not because of her political skills, which Minella does not deny. However, she adds: “people also know me because of my achievements and people were able to follow my journey since I was a teenager. They have witnessed my ups and downs, my values and what I stand for. I believe I showcased these aspects of myself positively and I believe this is also partly why I got elected.”

Discipline, honest work, communication skills, dexterity under stress – all qualities that Mandy Minella has embodied through her professional tennis career. With these values, she hopes to step foot into her political career as a member of the Chamber of Deputies.