GC2018 is just six months away - has your training ramped up?
Yes. Earlier in the year I was working full time and training around 15 hours a week. 2 months ago I quit work to train full time and now train around 25 hours every week. To compliment the extra training I also have the time to access to other services for example sports psych, physio and recovery centres. All the extra things I’m doing have already added up to give my performance a boost.
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I am capable of competing against some of the best athletes in the Commonwealth and the world within my sport, and to be able to wake up every day and do what I love is a dream come true.
Do you have a mentor?
Yes, I have many people that mentor me in all aspects of my training. My biggest influences are my coach and parents, because they are always able to give me a fresh perspective and keep me motivated.
Team selection for each sport has a different process - what events do you have left to secure an Australian team nomination?
I have the final trial for Commonwealth Games selection in November. The top 3 placed wrestlers from each weight category at the nationals earlier in the year have to wrestle in a round robin format. Who ever wins on the day is the one that will be given first preference at that weight.
If all weights are contested by Australia at the Games, everyone that wins in November will be eligible. If we are not allocated one per weight the wrestlers that have most potential to medal will be selected.
Have you had any setbacks over the past six months?
The weigh in format for wrestling has changed. Up until the end of this year competitors could weigh in approx. 12 hours before competition, this allows time to re-hydrate and eat enough food to sustain your best performance.
As of January 1st, 2018 the format will be weigh in an hour or two before we compete. I compete in the 74kg category but normally out of competition my body comfortably sits around 86kg. Normally I would do a pretty drastic cut and refuel after weigh in, by the time the games come around I will need to shed a lot of muscle mass in order to be able to maintain a lower natural body weight so that I am still able to compete at my best.
