Following the London Olympics I have switched my focus from competing in the heptathlon to concentrating solely on high jump. I love the challenge of the perfect performance and over seven events in the heptathlon I certainly found my happy place. Changing down to one event is a completely different focus for me but one I am certainly enjoying.
Coming from a jumping and hurdling background I switched to the heptathlon at the end of 2005. After rooming with a heptathlete and seeing how much fun the event was, I knew it was the event for me at the time. As different aches and pains have started to surface following seven years competing in the heptathlon I realised that in order to stay in the sport that I love I need to think hard about whether my body can cope with the demands of heptathlon training...so I have committed to high jump which offers a great challenge to soar to new heights constantly raising the bar (literally and figuratively!).
When I'm not running, jumping and throwing I love spending time with my amazing family and friends in our beautiful country.
I am a qualified physiotherapist but am currently doing some part time study around training and competition commitments in communications.
I grew up in a sporting family in my hometown of Rotorua. My two brothers and I, supported by our parents, were always encouraged to give everything a go and give it our best shot. I played many different sports growing up but developed a love for athletics throughout my high school years.
In 1992 I watched the Barcelona Olympics and I was mesmerised by the track and field athletes. The speed of the sprinters, the power of the jumpers and the strength of the throwers had me hooked. As my interest in sport grew my burning desire to compete at the Olympics was firmly established. 20 years after Barcelona my Olympic dream came true competing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
 |
| Active kiwi kids growing up into everything! My brothers and I with my Dad:) |
 |
| A few years later....with my amazing family in London at the Olympics. Rich, Mum, Gaz and I. |
