Human Interest |
Further Personal Information |
Residence |
Auckland, NZL |
Higher education |
Sport and Recreation Studies - Auckland University of Technology [AUT]: New Zealand |
General Interest |
Famous relatives |
Her younger sister Chantal has also represented New Zealand in weightlifting, and won three bronze medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Championships in Yaren, Nauru. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 Sep 2018; newzealandweightliftingacademy.co.nz, 09 May 2014) |
Other sports |
She has played netball in the New Zealand national league, and has also competed in athletics at international level. (olympic.org.nz, 19 Jun 2014) |
Sport Specific Information |
Why this sport? |
"I was playing netball and representing New Zealand in athletics. My athletics coach thought that both my netball and athletics would benefit from some extra strength and conditioning. I started training with the Northsport club and never left. I enjoyed the structure and made some very good friends within the sport who encouraged me to continue." |
General Interest |
Most influential person in career |
Coaches Adam Storey and David Niethe. (sarahcowley.com, 06 Jul 2016) |
Hero / Idol |
New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams. (betheinspiration.nz, 10 Oct 2015) |
Awards and honours |
She was the flag bearer for New Zealand at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (foxsportspulse.com, 03 Jul 2015) |
Sport Specific Information |
When and where did you begin this sport? |
She took up the sport at age 17 with Northsport Olympic Weightlifting in Auckland, New Zealand. |
Further Personal Information |
Occupation |
Fitness Instructor |
Languages |
English |
General Interest |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"No matter how many times I get knocked down, no matter how many times I break or get broken, I will get back up and I will be the best." (olympic.org.nz, 19 Jun 2014) |
Other information |
RETIREMENT She announced her retirement from competitive weightlifting in April 2018. "I did my best and even though there were tears I am happy with what I have achieved in my 15 years of lifting. The up and downs have been extreme but I am definitely a better person for it." (Facebook page, 19 Apr 2018; Instagram profile, 12 Jun 2018)
FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO NEW ZEALAND Born in South Africa, she moved to New Zealand with her family in 1999. (nzherald.co.nz, 01 Oct 2010) |
Injuries |
She sustained an arm injury while competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, which forced her to withdraw midway through the 90kg event. (odt.co.nz, 09 Apr 2018) |