You could be forgiven for thinking that no one is ‘in charge’ here [WSM], in the conventional sense. Of all the things I expected to encounter, a free reign was not top of the list. Yet it is this freedom which makes working here so unique and allows for tremendous growth. This top-down humility, patience … Continue reading Reflections Of A Physio – Elaine Pollard
I got into fencing in a way most people normally pick up a sport; I saw it, loved it, and wanted to learn more. One day I was at the ASB sports centre playing netball, and across one of the courts and there was a small group doing fencing. I knew roughly what fencing was, … Continue reading Life of An Athlete – Bruno Ferguson
My training schedule varies enormously depending on the time of year and my goals for the short and medium term. For example, I’ve spent the last three months living in Japan learning to alpine ski. This shift in focus has meant less time for yoga and climbing, and no surfing to speak of. Things are … Continue reading Life of An Athlete – Kate Sawford
I’ve played sport ever since I was a kid - cricket, competitive swimming, and lifesaving. I started playing hockey as a field player at college partly to get out of the hostel (I went to boarding school). I wasn’t an amazing field player but enjoyed it all the same. In my fourth year, our coach … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Rachel Lilley
In my final year of primary school, year 6, I made it into the Wellington team to compete at the primary and intermediate schools interprovincial cross country championships, versing runners from all over New Zealand. A requirement for competing at inter-provincials was that we had to join a running club, so I joined the Wellington … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Kirstie Rae
Ultimate Frisbee, being a 'newer' sport to the country, meant that I only started playing when I was 17 and in my final year at high school. Before that, I grew up playing every sport available to me including Tennis, Swimming, Football, Futsal, Netball, Basketball, Touch, and Cricket. In my PE classes, I was one … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Megan Edwards
I got into Judo at the age of seven because our family friend's Grandma was a black belt. I was such a hyperactive kid so I really needed something to put out all my energy as well as teach me some discipline. One of our family friends suggested to my mum that she brings me … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Qona Christie
An ultramarathon is technically described as any event longer than a marathon, so longer than 42.2km (although many consider 50km to be the starting point for an ultra). That's a long way. A very long way. But like any journey, it all starts with the first step out the door. Quite literally. My journey to … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Cate Shave
My siblings and I were always in the sporting scene growing up. I remember quite often being at Mum's Rugby or Soccer training's or at my Aunty's touch games and eventually followed in their footsteps. It was inevitable that my passion became like that of my family and I've been involved in various sports since. I … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Coral Winiata
As someone who has only just started identifying as an athlete, training plans have been a bit of an ongoing experiment for me. My previous exploits as a runner had found me training only enough to get by, but when I found roller derby I fell in love. I wanted to improve as fast possible … Continue reading Life Of An Athlete – Claire Jaycock
