About
I’m a regular gal, married to an irregular guy. I work as a physio, play a bit of sport and love my life.
That guy - Jason Chipperfield (and yes apparently he is related to the soccer player Scott Chipperfield) has helped me to become the person I am today. Jason is my rock and he’s always there to support me. All of my family are greater supporters too! I have Jason (www.refresh.net.au) to thank for this website.
Sport is a huge part of my life and always has been thanks to my parents. My grandfather was the founder of Physical Education in Queensland schools. My Dad was a great junior high jumper, winning State Titles at school. My Dad is probably my biggest athletics fan. He used to take me up to the local long jump pits when I was just 10 - I’m sure he taught me everything he knew (not everything I know though). My mother was a physical education teacher - she has always been a great teacher and nurturer. My sisters are training for marathons and triathlons (wise remark about them being elite level considered but they do it for fitness and fulfilment) and my brother is in training to become a dad (he is recently married if you catch my drift).
I can never sing my coach’s praises enough. Gary Bourne is a great person, a fabulous coach and an inspiring mentor. I attribut my success to Gary’s knowledge, technical eye, support and selflessness. I also have to acknowledge the support of my family, friends, work colleagues (particulary my boss Wendy) and my medical support team, headed by physiotherapist Shane Lemcke.
When I’m not competing, I fill in my time working as a paediatric physiotherapist. I’ve been rounding my non-clinical skills lately with roles as the Director of Physiotherapy and as a Senior Project Officer. I really enjoy managerial roles and hope to move into this capacity in the long term. I think it is really important to find the right balance in your life. For me, working gives me an opportunity to not think about athletics. So when I get to the track each day, I can focus 100% on athletics to get the results I need rather than 80% all the time.
Training consumes about 15 hours a week and while I’m at home in Oz, I work 30 hours a week. The rest of my time is consumed with the usual mundane activities of daily living. I love walking my dog Finn, he’s cool and he loves playing fetch. I’m also dog-sitting my mother-in-law’s dog, Jade - she’s very sweet but very different personality to my best buddy Finn. I also cherish opportunities to catch up with friends and family - if this can be in the form of a dinner party, cocktail party or games night then I’m even happier.
I think that all too many of us go through life without appreciating what we have. Being ambitious drives you to always want more and I’m not encouraging anyone to settle for less than they desire, I just want everyone to appreciate what they already have - I sure do. I’m certain that my work with children has also highlighted how privileged I really am.
For any budding athletes out there, make the sacrifices you need to be who you can be whilst always remaining true to yourself and know, not just believe, that you can achieve your dreams.
