Hi Reader As both an athlete and a coach, I’ve had the privilege of watching the world’s best perform — under pressure, in training, and beyond competition. I’ve worked alongside them, studied their habits, and now, as a coach, I see firsthand what truly sets them apart. Every day, I get to work with athletes who strive for greatness. And I’ve seen the difference between those who rise to the top and those who plateau. So, what separates elite athletes from everyone else? It’s not just...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader As a child, I loved watching the Olympics. I would wake up early, captivated by sports I had never even seen before. I marveled at the grace, strength, and precision of these athletes. They seemed almost untouchable—living in a world I believed I could never reach. That’s why, when I eventually started competing at an elite level, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I distinctly remember the first time I received my accreditation for a major competition. It had my photo, my name,...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader I remember competing at a World Cup when one of my teammates grabbed a banana from the breakfast buffet for each member of the team. When I asked why, she simply said, "It settles your nerves." I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I happily added a banana to my toolkit for managing pressure. Did it work? Actually, yes. Back then, I chalked it up to the placebo effect, but I wasn’t about to dismiss something that helped me stay calm. Turns out, she was onto something. When we...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader It always amazes me how my clients often face the same struggles—despite never being in contact with one another. This week, nearly everyone I worked with found themselves wrestling with the same challenge: managing expectations. For highly driven people, setting expectations around performance is natural. When you invest countless hours of training, effort, and money into something, of course, you desire a certain outcome. But the challenge arises when desire turns into rigid...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader This week has been full of ups and downs. The biggest up? I was honored to be named the NZ National Compound Coach for another year, supporting the team as they compete in the World Cups. I truly believe in this team, and having another season to work together is not just a privilege—it’s a crucial foundation for high performance. This was incredible news for me. Not long after, I came across my first public negative comment. It was an interesting moment—but I know exactly where I...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader I’ve always been an all-or-nothing person. When I was competing internationally, I was obsessive about my training. If I wasn’t training, I was reviewing, checking, and repairing my equipment. I was listening to every podcast that promised an edge. I was fine-tuning my nutrition. I was researching my competitors. I was doing body recovery. Sport wasn’t just my priority—it was everything. I turned down parties, outings, and family gatherings to get the rest I needed. I thought I was...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader Happy New Year! 🎉 Can you believe how quickly January is flying by? Did you set any resolutions this year? I used to set resolutions too, but I stopped when I realised they often felt more like wishes—goals without a clear plan. Does that sound familiar? Resolutions, dreams, and goals—they all require consistent, deliberate action to come to life. The challenge is figuring out which actions to take and staying consistent, especially when motivation starts to fade. Progress isn’t...
6 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader As we approach the close of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on our recent conversation about confidence and tall poppy syndrome. (Read it here if your missed it) Together, we explored the importance of staying grounded in your growth while remaining unapologetic in your ambition—a powerful balance that paves the way for lasting success. Staying Grounded in Growth Growth is a continuous journey, not a final destination. Goals work in the same way. One of my clients recently...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader Almost every athlete I’ve worked with has shared a common goal: to grow their confidence. Yet, many follow that with a hesitation: “But I don’t want to come across as arrogant.” It’s not uncommon for athletes working on their mindset and confidence to be labeled as “arrogant.” But let’s be clear—what’s often perceived as arrogance is simply an athlete striving to be their best, getting in the zone, and rallying their self-belief. For athletes, confidence can feel like walking a...
7 months ago • 2 min read