WSL / MATT DUNBAR

FOR TOKYO TOGETHER MARTIN PAKULA MP

The countdown to the 2020 Olympic and Pursuit teammates obliterated their own netball star Liz Watson. I hope this Paralympic Games is well and truly on world record on the way to winning the can become a regular highlight on the and judging by the performances of our gold medal at the 2019 UCI Track World calendar. athletes, Victoria is on track Championships in Poland in March – with Looking ahead to July 2020, there is a lot to deliver an inspiring performance in their prospects of gold in Tokyo looking to look forward to when the competition Tokyo. bright. commences in Tokyo and our Victorian The dedicated coaches and support Para cycling duo Alistair Donohoe and athletes go up against the best from teams who work alongside the Emily Petricola were crowned world across the world. competitors similarly deserve our champions in their respective events at I know that they will do us proud and admiration, as does everyone connected the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World it will be due in no small part to the with our world-class institute. Championships in the Netherlands. industry-leading programs of the VIS. Commitment to competition and Oceana Mackenzie made history In table tennis, the legendary Melissa excellence begins at a young age, and at the first Bouldering World Cup Tapper secured a spot for Australia at our investment in grassroots sport in Switzerland, becoming the first the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics when she since 2014 has been the biggest in Australian female to make the final of won gold at the Arafura Games earlier Victorian history with more than $850 a Sport Climbing World Cup. With sport this year. million flowing directly to our local climbing making its debut on the Olympic clubs and communities. Our champions program in Tokyo, she will be one to Another highlight in recent months MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT 3 of tomorrow will benefit from this watch. was the VIS Open Day in April, where investment as they rise through junior the Institute opened its doors for the More history will be made when Hayley MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 4 ranks to the elite level. first time in its 30-year history. More Wilson ramps up her bid for a world-first than 600 visitors toured the world- Kim Brennan was one of those Olympic gold medal. TOKYO SUMMER GAMES 5 class facility to explore, experiment and youngsters who graduated through Sinead Diver qualified for Tokyo after learn about what it takes to be an elite GAME OF FIRSTS junior ranks in Victoria before joining the 6 a brilliant seventh place in the London performer. VIS and winning rowing gold at the 2016 Marathon. Her time of 2:24:11 was a TOKYO TASTER 7 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Now Kim has I’d like to thank the volunteers who personal best and made her the third- been appointed Australia’s Deputy Chef helped out at the event, including fastest Australian female marathon FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER…COOLER! 8 de Mission for Tokyo. champion swimmer Mack Horton and runner in history. netball star Liz Watson. I hope this There have been many highlights from FROM MANSFIELD TO THE WORLD 10 In table tennis, the legendary Melissa can become a regular highlight on the our athletes in recent months. VERTICAL LIFE OCEANA MACKENZIE Tapper secured a spot for Australia at calendar. 11 Snowboard halfpipe sensation Scotty the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics when she Looking ahead to July 2020, there is a lot James had a freakishly good season, won gold at the Arafura Games earlier TEAM BEHIND THE ATHLETE 12 to look forward to when the competition winning six out of six events to claim a this year. commences in Tokyo and our Victorian third consecutive world title. KIM BRENNAN 13 Another highlight in recent months athletes go up against the best from Dylan Alcott continued to show why was the VIS Open Day in April, where across the world. KATE DOUGHTY 14 he is number one in the world, winning the Institute opened its doors for the I know that they will do us proud and an unprecedented fifth consecutive first time in its 30-year history. More SINEAD DIVER it will be due in no small part to the 15 Australian Open quad wheelchair than 600 visitors toured the world- industry-leading programs of the VIS. singles title and then adding the French class facility to explore, experiment and Open crown in June. With wheelchair learn about what it takes to be an elite tennis set to feature at Tokyo, it will be performer. sensational to watch Dylan take to the court. I’d like to thank the volunteers who helped out at the event, including Kelland O’Brien and his Australian Team champion swimmer Mack Horton and

2 July 2019 | | July 2019 3 ANNE MARIE HARRISON

We all share in the excitement of the Liverpool throughout July and we extend We will roll our sleeves up to analyse build up with One Year to Go to the our congratulations to Melbourne Vixens and assess our role and impact with our The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will not only inspire the world with phenomenal Olympic and Paralympic Games in teammates; Jo Weston, Caitlin Thwaites National and State Sporting Organisation athletic performances, but will bring new audiences to the Games and their values. The exciting Tokyo and this edition of “The Pinnacle” and newly appointed Vice Captain Lizzy partners with a view to making decisions new gender-balanced, youth and urban sports will deliver a unique experience to athletes and commences the countdown with Watson on their selection into the in March/April next year. fans of all ages. Here are some interesting facts about the 2020 Games: the launch of our #Together4Toyko Diamonds. To Lisa Alexander and all the In closing, I extend a warm welcome to campaign. We hope to engage the high team we send our positive energy for a our new Minister for Sport the Hon Martin • Japan is no stranger to the Olympics, baseball (men)/softball (women), • Competition venues will be spread performance and Victorian community successful outcome #GoDiamonds. Pakula. Martin is also Minister for Racing, with the country having already karate, sport climbing, surfing, and into two themed areas, the “Heritage” with our athletes and staff as we Whilst the immediate and medium term Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Tourism and hosted three Games with the 1964 skateboarding. Baseball, being and the “Tokyo Bay” zones, and many embark on the journey. are very important, we are also taking Major Events. With his busy portfolio, Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the 1972 something of a national obsession, of the venues used in the 1964 Tokyo The second half of this year will see a longer view of the horizon from a fortunately for all of us, the Minister is Winter Olympics in Sapporo and the and karate, with its origins in the Olympics will be put to good use World Championships and qualification management and Board perspective and a sports fan and enthusiast. We look 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. Ryukyu Islands (in modern-day again in 2020 as legacy venues. These events across a range of sports and in conjunction with the AIS and other forward to working with him to continue The 2020 Summer Olympics officially Okinawa Prefecture), are particularly include the Nippon Budokan, where we wish all athletes the best in their State Institutes and Academies are to inspire all Victorians through our great known as the Games of the XXXII significant additions. judo made its debut as an Olympic endeavours. This year also sees the already planning for our business post athletes and their international sporting Olympiad will take place in Tokyo • There will be a total of 22 Paralympic sport. The flagship Olympic Stadium Netball World Cup being hosted in Tokyo. success. from 24 July to 9 August 2020. sports featured in the 2020 Games, will be new but is being built on the • The Paralympics will be held from 25 including athletics, swimming, table same ground as the original 1964 August - 6 September 2020 and Tokyo tennis, wheelchair basketball, and venue. will be the first city ever to host the wheelchair rugby. The two new sports • With the Games being held at the Paralympic Games on two separate of badminton and taekwondo will height of the Tokyo summer, they occasions. In 1964, 378 athletes from replace sailing and seven-a-side are expected to be the hottest ever 21 countries competed in nine sports football. and sweltering conditions could – the first time a Paralympic Games • The official motto for the 2020 Tokyo pose a threat to both athletes and had been held in Asia. Games is “Discover Tomorrow.” spectators. The host city is taking steps to try to keep athletes and • Tokyo 2020 will see over 15,000 • The Olympic mascot is called spectators safe during the Games, athletes from 207 nations participate Miraitowa, based on the Japanese and the heat factor is expected to in what will be the most innovative, words “Mirai”(future) and “towa” become one of the key defining inclusive and inspiring Olympics yet. (eternity) to symbolize the undaunted planning features of the training • Tokyo 2020 will be the world’s 16th optimism of the Olympic Games. preparation cycle for many athletes. Paralympic Games, and will see over • The Paralympic mascot is named 4,000 athletes compete in the biggest Someity, based on “Someiyoshino”, Paralympics yet. a popular cherry blossom variety, • There are 33 Olympic sports and 22 and the phrase “so mighty”. Someity Paralympic sports which will be held has cherry blossom tactile sensors, across 43 venues around the country, and can show enormous mental with athletes eager to get their hands and physical strength. The mascot on one (or more) of around 900 gold represents Paralympic athletes who medals. sometimes overcome enormous • Among Tokyo 2020’s 33 Olympic obstacles to redefine the boundaries sports will be five events making of the possible. their debut or return to the games:

| July 2019 5 THE OLYMPICS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN JAPAN’S BY KYLIE ANDREW, HISTORY AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE. VIS SPORTS DIETITIAN & NUTRITION COORDINATOR

The 1964 Tokyo Games had a programs and keep the Olympic & Can’t make it to the Games, no worries! With less than 18 months to go took numerous photos, purchased the Paralympics staging camp, where transformational effect not just on the Paralympic movements relevant to Japanese broadcaster NHK is planning until the Paralympics, I set off on an products for sampling, compiled lists we met with the chefs to discuss capital city but the country at large. younger generations. to go super high-tech for its coverage– information gathering expedition to and made plans. catering for our athletes, to ensure that The Games marked the country’s re- all the action will be offered in Super Japan with Paralympics Australia’s it would meet not only their nutritional Exemplifying Japan’s advanced To get a better feel for the local cuisine entry into the international community 8K which is 16 times sharper than high Lead Sports Dietitian, Siobhan needs, but tastes and personal technological prowess, facial and appreciation for the sorts of foods post World War II, as well as the definition televisions. Microphones will Crawshay. Our destination…. Kobe … preferences too. The chefs had kindly recognition technology will be used that would be available to our athletes, beginning of its high-growth era with be able to zoom in on sound anywhere a city on Osaka Bay in Central Japan prepared a number of dishes for us to for the first time to accurately identify we dined out at several Japanese the unveiling of the Shinkansen – the within an event venue, creating an and the site for the 2020 Paralympics try; some traditional meals that they roughly 300,000 athletes, officials and restaurants and tried some typical bullet train. ultra-realistic viewing experience which Staging Camp. would typically serve to residents, as staff for entry to venues, verifying Japanese dishes, including Japanese means watching the Games at home well as a number of Western dishes for Japan will use the 2020 Games their identity in less than a third of a Our mission: to determine how and hot pot, okonomiyaki (Japanese will be almost as good as in person. which we had provided recipes. to demonstrate its recovery from second – speeding up the process and what we will feed our Paralympic pancakes) and teppanyaki. Kobe is well the 2011 earthquake and tsunami bolstering security. Fireworks and the Olympics go hand in athletes as they put the finishing known for its wagyu beef, considered With very full bellies and a taste of that triggered the meltdown at the hand, but Tokyo are planning to take it touches on their preparations for a delicacy in Japan and valued for its what’s to come in 2020, we headed With sustainability one of its main Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant to the next level and produce shooting Tokyo. flavour, tenderness and fatty, well- off to the airport and back home to priorities – “be better together – for the and devastated the country. The stars at the opening ceremony! In marbled texture. Quite different to an continue the important planning and planet and the people” - the Organising To do this we visited several different country will also strive to live up to its another first, mini-satellites will be Aussie eye fillet! preparation. I can’t wait to get back Committee has been collecting old supermarkets, both local and reputation for global competitiveness launched into space carrying hundreds there next year!! mobile phones, microwaves and international, with interpreter in tow. We were also warmly welcomed at by unveiling a number of firsts at Tokyo of pellets that burn up in different other electronic goods to break down We scanned the aisles, read labels, Nichii Gakkan, the planned venue for 2020: colours when they fall through the and use in the manufacture of 5000 atmosphere, creating the illusion of New youth-friendly, high-octane gold, silver and bronze medals. This shooting stars. sports! Athletes from more sports initiative is a nod to Japan’s recycling than ever before will be given the culture, which has spawned one of the From robotic helpers to driverless chance to compete on the world most complicated but thorough waste taxis and rumours that a flying car will stage, with Tokyo 2020 adding surfing, collection services in the world. be used to light the Olympic flame! sport climbing and skateboarding, There’s no doubt that Tokyo 2020 It will also be the first time renewable as well as national favourites karate is set to be the most high tech and energy is used to provide 100 per cent and baseball/softball to the Olympic innovative Olympics and Paralympics of the power for Games venues. The schedule. While badminton and yet! Olympic Village will be powered by taekwondo will make their Paralympic hydrogen, and hydrogen fuel-cell cars debuts. The nature of these new will ferry athletes and officials between sports and events will modernise the venues.

6 July 2019 | COULD ALL — speed, lead and bouldering — will be THESE NEW combined into one event, with average SPORTS BE How will qualification work? As Olympic hosts, Japan gains one automatic results determining who gets the gold, silver and bronze. According to organisers, 18 of the 40 entry per event and the top three male DROPPED competitors will come from the 2019 and top three female skaters at the World Bouldering is a more technical discipline, FROM THE Championship Tour (10 men, eight women). Skateboarding Championships in 2020 will which involves free climbing up short Then the remaining 22 will come from a also qualify. The remaining spots will be sections of rock or climbing walls without OLYMPIC mix between the International Surfing determined over the course of the 2019–20 the use of ropes. Athletes secure victory PROGRAM? Association (as decided at the 2019/2020 qualifying period, based on the top-16 by achieving the set challenge in the With the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo just 12 months Yes. Many sports have been ISA World Surfing Games), the winner of the rankings. shortest number of attempts in a timed away, now is a good time to explore some of the new sports featured in the Olympics, only to be 2019 Pan-Am Games in Lima, and two slots period. discontinued in future years. Some which have been added to the 2020 program. They are baseball/ (one man, one woman) will be reserved for BASEBALL/ Lead involves climbing a designated former Olympic sports include softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing. The the host nation. last three sports mentioned can all be classified as extreme SOFTBALL route on a climbing wall while attached Tug of War (1900-1920), Hot Air Who’s interested in competing to ropes. Athletes will achieve a podium Ballooning (1900), or Pankration sports which is testament to the sporting tastes of the current The general consensus asserts that baseball at Tokyo 2020? spot either by climbing to the top of the (648 BC) – the original mixed derives from another bat and ball sport called generation.What do each of these sports entail, and what we course in the fastest time or by reaching martial arts with scarcely any Many of the world’s best professional Rounders, popular in Great Britain and Ireland can expect to see from them in 2020? a higher point than their opponents restrictions. Almost no rules meant surfers, including Adriano de Souza and in the 18th century. before falling. fighters could fight to the death! Kelly Slater, are interested in representing A game of baseball is played between two SURFING their homeland at the Olympics. VIS Speed sees athletes go head-to-head in All the new sports are only teams, each composed of nine players, which athlete, Nikki Van Dijk, is hoping to fly a knock-out format where they attempt approved for Tokyo 2020. They are The dreams of Duke Kahanamoku have occasionally barrels. And a series of take turns playing offense and defence. The under the radar this season as she seeks to to climb a 15m wall faster than their aimed at increasing interest in the finally become a reality. As surfing’s jetties on the beach help funnel sand team playing offense bats and the team secure a spot in the Olympic team by being opponents. Games with a younger audience. earliest ambassador, the Hawaiian icon movement to create consistent sandbars. playing defence pitches and fields. A standard either the first or second ranked Australian And if they don’t – or if they fail advocated for the sport’s inclusion in the The average surf heights at Shida are in game consists of nine innings and the goal is woman in the world tour top eight. KARATE in some way – they could be pinnacle of competitions, the Olympic the thigh-waist-chest range during the to score more points in the form of runs than discontinued. Games. And more than 50 years after the dates of interest (July 24-August 9). In the other team. It is surprising that karate is only making Duke’s initial push, surfing has officially addition, the climatological trend is for SKATEBOARDING A run is constituted by literally running from its debut in the Olympics in 2020, become an Olympic sport. surf heights to gradually increase from The Ariake Urban Sports Park in Tokyo will base to base, with the objective being to considering that many other martial arts July 24 to August 9, as the statistical Where will the competition be host the very first Olympic skateboarding complete a run by reaching all four bases. A such as boxing, wrestling and taekwondo chances of seeing typhoon swells held? contest. There will be two disciplines on the player may only run when the ball is hit in have been in the Olympics for decades. increases. program: Street and Park. The competition front of the foul lines which sits at 45 degree After the debut of Kelly Slater’s wave Karate is a mixed martial art as it How many surfers will will include both men’s and women’s angles to the batters home plate. includes a multitude of moves such as pool, many believed that surfing would compete? events, with athletes demonstrating Softball is a variant of baseball and will punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow be held in an artificial arena. An objective, spectacular tricks in a festival atmosphere. unchanging course, like a halfpipe There will be 20 men and 20 women, all be played by women in Tokyo. The main strikes and open-hand techniques such or velodrome. But no - officials have short boarders, from across the globe, What is ? differences between the two is that in softball as knife-hands, spear-hands and palm- announced that Olympic surfing will competing in categories separated by the ball is larger, the parameters of the field heel strikes. This competition is held on a straight take place in the ocean. The contest site sex. In the future – if surfing is included are smaller, and the ball is pitched underhand ‘street-like’ course featuring stairs, Two disciplines of karate will feature at for the 2020 Games was decided to be in the Games again – there may be more instead of overhand. handrails, curbs, benches, walls and slopes. the 2020 Olympics. Kumite is the sparring Shidashita Beach, or “Shida,” located categories included, which could create Each competitor performs individually and between two teams, each composed of nine discipline and will have three weight about 40 miles outside of Tokyo. more opportunities for athletes to win utilises each section to demonstrate a players, which take turns playing offense and classes each for men and women. Kata medals. For now, it is limited to a field of What are the waves like at range of tricks. Judging takes into account defence. The team playing offense bats and is the form discipline and will have one 40 men and women shortboarders. “Shida?” the degree of difficulty, height, speed, the team playing defence pitches and fields. event each for men and women. There originality, execution and the composition A standard game consists of nine innings and will only be three weight categories as With a sand bottom, the waves at Shida of moves. the goal is to score more points in the form of opposed to the usual five used by the feature a punchy beach break, which World Karate Federation. What is park skateboarding? runs than the other team. A run is constituted by literally running from Park competitions take place on a base to base, with the objective being to hollowed-out course featuring a series of complete a run by reaching all four bases. A complicated curves. From the bottom of player may only run when the ball is hit in the cavity, the curved surfaces rise steeply, front of the foul lines which sits at 45 degree with the upper part of the incline is almost angles to the batters home plate. vertical. Among the attractions of park competitions are the immense heights Softball is a variant of baseball and will achieved by climbing the curves at speed be played by women in Tokyo. The main and performing mid-air tricks. differences between the two is that in softball How many skaters will qualify? the ball is larger, the parameters of the field are smaller, and the ball is pitched underhand In total, 80 skaters will compete in Tokyo instead of overhand. - 40 spots for women across the two categories and a further 40 for men. There will be 20 skaters in both the street and SPORT CLIMBING park competitions for each gender and VIS athletes Shane O’Neill, Hayley Wilson, Brad Sport climbing is a discipline within rock Saunders (street) and Shenae Collins (park) climbing. When the sport makes its Olympic are all in the mix to represent Australia. debut next year, three separate disciplines 8 July 2019 | | Mansfield local Hayley Wilson bought her first from The Reject Shop when she VIS athlete Oceana Mackenzie has been hooked on Sport Climbing since she was eight years old, and was eight years old, armed with a handful of pocket money from Mum, Catriona Wilson. now at 16 years young she is well on her way to becoming one of Australia’s greatest sport climbers.

“It was all supposed to be a joke,” she You made history recently (Wallace Smith) has been an amazing She is a VIS Future Talent scholarship pushes me to get better. The community How has the VIS supported recalls, “my brother and I were looking by becoming the first strength & conditioning coach, helping holder and a member of the Australian in sport climbing is also really great and you? around for something to buy when he Aussie to compete in an me get into the best physical shape Team for Bouldering, Lead and Speed it’s so fun to climb with lots of people. Olympic skateboarding I’ve been on scholarship now for 18 said ‘oh, why don’t you get yourself a possible to compete internationally. Climbing. qualification event, AND What do you enjoy most about months and it has been awesome. I have board’.” Skateboarding is making its you finished on the podium! training and competition? access to the Sport Psych, Nutritionist Olympic debut in 2020 – how She made history at the first Bouldering Tell us a bit about that and my Strength and Conditioning Coach, So guess what? She did, and even excited are you and what World Cup in Switzerland in April by I’m very determined and physically experience… Jono. I do two strength sessions a week though the wheels hardly rolled, it are your ambitions? becoming the first ever Australian female quite flexible. I definitely try to work on plus two sprint sessions at the VIS - I was enough to get her hooked. It was so much fun! There were seven to make the final of a Sport Climbing everything and particularly love training If I make the team that would be Aussies at that event and I loved World Cup. She placed sixth in the final used to run like a baby Giraffe but I have Fast forward nine years and Wilson is huge. To able to say you are an my weaknesses and getting better, which skating with them all. My goal since in only her second ever senior event, got much better! I love coming into now the undisputed “next big thing” Olympian would be amazing. I’m also I think is a big strength for me as an I was young was to podium at an X and now has her eyes well and truly set the VIS to do my workouts, rather than of Australian skate sports. excited to see what skateboarding athlete. I’m also VERY competitive! When Games or a Street League, and when on the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic having to do them after my climbing becomes after the Olympics, the sport I competed last year (when I was 15) I She made history when she won it actually happened I didn’t know sessions, which used to make for a really is already huge but I think after Tokyo Games. She spoke to Communications was technically too young to compete the silver medal at the first ever what to think. I went into both events long day and late night! it will be even bigger, especially for and Marketing Coordinator, Ashley with the adults, but I’d often beat them with the mindset of “I would be happy Olympic Qualifier for Women’s Street female skating, and it will be great to Gillespie; Tell us something people to just get 4 scores above 5” - but as a wildcard competitor and I loved the Skateboarding at the World Skate/ see a lot more girls getting into it and might not know about you! to finish second was just an added How did you first get involved thrill of winning! SLS Pro Tour Stop 1 in London in May giving it a go. in Sport Climbing? bonus! How do you settle I’ve got a few! I’m vegan, I have five 2019. When you’re not training, How do you settle your nerves before big sisters, I’m home-schooled and I was what do you do in your My Mum used to climb when she was The 17-year-old was one of more your nerves before big competitions? home birthed! spare time? younger and she took me and one of than 70 elite women competing from competitions? my sisters, and we started climbing and I have only been competing for two If there is any up and coming athlete across the globe chasing valuable When I’m not skating or in the gym. When I started doing big contests my loved it. I now climb five days a week years internationally - 2019 has been my you should be keeping your eye on, it’s ranking points for next year’s Games. I love just chilling, listening to music legs would be so jelly and I wouldn’t and practice all three disciplines - speed biggest season so far. I just try to be in and hanging out with friends. Oceana! Wilson finished in second place just be breathing properly. But now I’ve climbing (a race to the top), lead climbing the moment, know that I have prepared 0.1 point off Brazil’s Pamela Rosa at started to pick up when I’m freaking (increasing difficulty for increased for the competition well and I’ve done all the Copper Box Arena. Although the out and I start taking deep breaths to points) and bouldering (a series of routes that I can – and then to just enjoy it. I’m help me calm down. These last two narrow margin, Wilson put together requiring analytical thinking as well as quite an introvert, so my Sports Psych contests I was so much more relaxed the highest scoring trick (8.1) with a athleticism). has helped me get some strategies in and focused than previous events. big spin frontside, board done Why do you love place to help prepare for big comps. quite perfectly at the third attempt. What do you enjoy most it? about competitive sport? Sport Climbing in making it’s The skateboarding prodigy backed I love everything Olympic debut in Toyko 2020 – I love when there’s good energy at how excited are you? up her historic podium finish in about it! I’m a really contests. The energy at the World London to finish second in a highly competitive person, Skate/SLS Pro Tour and the It’s so exciting that Sport Climbing is at competitive street final at the was insane, and I totally vibed off and I love competing the Olympics! When I first started, you Shanghai X Games just a week later. that. against the wall – wouldn’t even know that there were assessing it and Among the youngest competitors What’s your best / competitions, it was super small and then trying to figure on the international skate scene, signature trick? And are only a few people tried it out. Now that this diminutive rider is already you working on any new out how to do the it’s in the Olympics, heaps more people sponsored by Nike, medalled at major ones? climb and complete are trying it and loving it. It’s going to be international events and now has her it – it takes smarts, awesome to see how everyone goes in My favourite trick at the moment is sights set on the big one – the 2020 speed, strength the three disciplines in Tokyo, and to see big spin front board. But I’m always and flexibility. I also new athletes from different countries. It’s Tokyo Olympic Games. We caught up working on new tricks!! with Hayley when she was training in love how it always really cool! the gym at the VIS; How has the VIS supported you over the last 12 months?

The VIS have been amazing with supporting me this past year. Jono

10 July 2019 | What are you enjoying the What are the biggest there is no formula to success that has most about working with challenges you face working been set-up over a long period of time. these new sports? with these new sports and Taking the time to learn as much as we athletes? can about the sports and figuring out Learning as much as I can about these where exactly we can help these athletes, new sports – these are some seriously Working out how ‘High Performance’ instead of just jumping in and smashing impressive athletes doing some seriously fits into each sport’s culture – it’s not a them in the gym or try to change their impressive things. It’s just cool to be a carbon copy from what is done/needed routines has been a big challenge. part of it. in traditional sports to these ones and

JONO WALLACE SMITH

VIS Coach Jono Wallace Smith is responsible for providing Physical Preparation training to the athletes in our Individual Athlete Scholarship Program, which includes athletes from the new Olympic sports. Not only has he had to educate himself in skate lingo and surf slang, he has also upskilled his knowledge to apply to the demands of the untraditional disciplines. He spoke to Pinnacle about some of his key focus areas and learnings; SUCCESS IN SPORT AND LIFE What are some of the key guys are hurling themselves into concrete manoeuvres – actually ends up pretty strength and conditioning daily – so we can’t prevent everything. similar to Park Skateboarders. After that, After years of success on the water, VIS rowing exercises for elite a lot of pulling chin-up variations to help alumna Kim Brennan, a qualified solicitor and proud Each program has elements to help skateboarders? her paddling. We are also playing around mother, now has the task of inspiring the next this based off the common injuries in with a lot of gymnastics variations for generation of Australian sports stars. Landings are probably one for the biggest skating and unique ways the athletes something different and fun, and to ones for us. Teaching the skaters to present themselves when they joined us The 33-year-old, who competed at the three most develop bodyweight strength. efficiently absorb force on landings has (anthropometry, previous injury history, recent Summer Olympic Games, winning silver in the a big part to play both in reducing injury previous training history etc.) When travelling, the focus narrows to Double Sculls and bronze in the Singles Sculls events risk and improving performance as it has maintaining the strength qualities she’s at London 2012, before claiming gold in the Women’s ankle/calf strength & proprioception a large transfer across to the board. We • developed – to reduce injury risk of a long Single Sculls at the 2016 Games, has been appointed practice them off high boxes (up to 1m (balance) work to help with ankle season and stop a drop in performance – as the Australian Deputy Chef de Mission for the high), landing after jumping sideways sprains and keep her feeling fit, healthy & happy. Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. or rotating, landings with added weight Brennan joins dual Olympic gold medalist Susie • quad/glute/eccentric hamstring work Sport Climbing is a new (different things at different times of the sport at the VIS - have you O’Neill and Olympic fencer Evelyn Halls in the key year) to help prepare their bodies for the to be able to handle the high impacts roles, completing the leadership team of Chef de when they land poorly or need to ‘bail’ encountered any challenges variability of their landings on the board. working with Oceana Mission, Ian Chesterman. off the board. Calf Strength would be another big Mackenzie? Chesterman claimed the latest appointments focus area – once again helping with the show the AOC is putting the athletes first for next • Or even rolling work to help them fall Honestly, no. Oce is, one of many, special absorbing of force when landing off big year’s Olympic Games; “Our three Deputies totally a bit safer when they do stack it. athletes we have. Incredibly talented with heights – we usually start with single- understand the environment of Olympic competition a work ethic to match. Transitioning to leg calf raises with added weight then and will be a great support to our athletes and the climbing space has been really easy progress from there. Surfers need to be in tip-top coaches in the team. Each brings something shape – how are you helping because Oce’s coach, family and climbing different but each has a fantastic work ethic and After that, and them gaining the basics Nikki Van Dijk prepare for community are behind her and know great empathy for what’s important to athletes.” in strength & mobility, the focus shifts Tokyo? the VIS is trying to help her by playing Brennan says to be contributing to the Team effort depending on their skateboarding our part. We have been doing a lot of so soon after retirement is exciting, “Every Olympian discipline. While they will all have Nikki’s competitive season is so long sprinting work with her to assist with her wants to keep contributing in one way or another. qualities of both in their program, Street and very complex – changing schedules, Speed Climbing – teaching her how to We have that bond. To be stepping into this role Skaters (Hayley Wilson & Brad Saunders) different locations, different surfing run was interesting because she initially gives me the chance to make a different type of will have more of a lower body power conditions etc. – making it very tough to looked like a baby giraffe, but since then contribution,” Brennan said. focus (jumps etc.) and Park (Shanae program and prepare for. it’s been smooth sailing. She is hoping the position will also provide a chance Collins) will have more of a lower body When she is home we focus a lot on for her to continue to grow in terms of leadership, strength focus (squats, leg press etc.). reducing the ‘imbalances’ that her management and learning more about the behind- amount of surfing creates – these Skateboarding is an extreme the-scenes elements of the Olympic Games. sport – how do you prevent imbalances are normal for surfing but and/or treat injuries? do create an increased injury risk (quad Brennan undertook the role of Chef de Mission for dominance, restrictions through hips, the Australian Youth Olympic team in Buenos Aires Skateboarding is a skill dominant sport – rotator cuff imbalances in the shoulder in 2018, where she led approximately 95 athletes so time on the board is always king. Our etc.). Developing strength through the in more than 30 disciplines in what was the third main aim is to help spend more hours on posterior chain (lower back, glutes & Summer Youth Olympic Games, following Singapore the board per day/week/month and have hamstrings) is a major focus as well as 2010 and Nanjing 2014. them off the board for less time when building more power through her trunk they do get hurt. With that said, these & lower body to assist with some of her 12 July 2019 | | July 2019 13 JUGGLING ACT

An elite para-triathlete, motivational an achievement nearly 20 years in the Paralympics firmly in her sights, Doughty speaker, mentor, registered psychologist making, in an entirely different sport to is back again chasing her dreams under and mum - Kate Doughty knows no what Doughty had first envisaged. astute coach, Danielle Stefano. SINEAD DIVER limits when it comes to adversity and Doughty said she had a “ripper swim” but Doughty is based in Melbourne with achievement. couldn’t find her legs until the second lap Coach Stefano and her ELOTIK Pro “People seem to think you shouldn’t be able to run after you’re 40. I think I’m proving them wrong. Doughty was born without a right of the bike phase, before losing ground in Triathlon team mates where Henrik has I’m proud of that.” hand, and at the age of 8, was already the run which is her weakest link. now become the official team mascot making her mark receiving awards for being present at most training sessions. It’s safe to say that Sinead Diver came to Going into the race, Diver had no “I was determined to get a good time so “Trust me, I had nothing left in the tank,” violin and equestrian achievements. athletics late. intention to be near the front, but that I needed to race from the start and not she said, “I’ve been in the sport less than Her return to racing has been emphatic She represented Australia at several was exactly where she found herself just race from the halfway, which the two years and I’m still not at my full with a hat-trick of wins (just eight Born and raised in Ireland, Diver moved to international Para-equestrian events, after the opening miles with the leading Africans like to do. They like to get to potential. Bring on Tokyo,” she said after months after giving birth!) at the Melbourne in 2002 and was 32 before she including the World Equestrian Games, contenders unwilling to push the pace. halfway and then put in a strong second the race. Devonport World Cup event, the Oceania started running as a hobby to “get fit and before making a dramatic change to half, but for me it’s better to go from the Para Triathlon Championships in lose some pregnancy weight” after the And so she forged ahead, building a lead Para-triathlon in 2014. She said she wasn’t alone on the Fort start, so I did.” Newcastle and the World Para Triathlon birth of her first child. of more than 200 metres at one point Copacabana course in Rio, and there was Her Para-triathlon ambition was born Series race in Milan, Italy. over the Kenyans and Ethiopians, passing Diver’s two boys, Eddie who is nine and someone with her every step, stroke and Approaching 40 she “got serious” about from personal loss, with the tragic death halfway over the iconic Tower Bridge in Darragh, five were among the massive pedal – her Mum. “It’s definitely been a different sort running and her phenomenal natural of her Mother spurring her to make a 1:11:22. Irish support roaring her on in the English of lead up for Kate, now juggling talent saw things escalate quickly. fresh start in a new sport. The 35-year-old, who has a tattoo of a Capital. motherhood on top of her training and “I wasn’t expecting to be leading, dragonfly on her wrist in memory of her She clocked 2:34:15 for the marathon She swapped her boots and horse for work, however being the dedicated obviously, and was a little bit freaked “I’ve never experienced anything like that Mum said, “I just knew she would be in 2014, and was all set to represent lycra and a bike, and the results of this professional that she is, she’s doing a out, and didn’t want to look behind,” said in another marathon. There was only with me the whole time coming into this Ireland at the following year’s World transition were rapid and impressive, magnificent job of multi-tasking,” said Diver. one section of the course that was quiet race. I was emotional before I started so Championships in Beijing, but Athletics securing wins at the Australian Stefano. and that was only for maybe a couple of I’m lucky I didn’t just melt in the race,” Ireland moved the goalposts, changing With strong headwinds over the second Championships and the ITU World Para kilometres. For the rest of it there were Doughty said as tears flowed. Super-mum Doughty is showing that the time required to 2:33:30. half, Diver fought hard to hold pace and triathlon event in Yokohama, Japan - her people shouting and a lot of them knew anything is possible and will enjoy the reached the finish on The Mall in 2:24:11, first overseas race – and the bronze Fast forward two years to 2018, she Therefore, as a dual citizen, Diver knew my name and were cheering for me! It continual build back to peak performance cutting 67 seconds off her previous best. medal at the World Championships in married the love of her life, Norwegian the only way to run in Beijing would be in was great.” with her goal of getting to the start line in It made her the third fastest Australian Chicago, USA. Jarle Naess, before giving birth to baby an Australian vest, a decision that proved Tokyo 2020. in history behind Benita Willis and Lisa What’s next for the late blooming Diver? son Henrik. She took a break from virtually irreversible given the IAAF now Then in 2016, Doughty realised her Ondieki, and more importantly it qualified Her target is not just improving her training and competition to enjoy a “baby mandates a three-year wait before dream of becoming a Paralympian when her for the Tokyo Olympics next year. personal best (again), but possibly the gap year” to appreciate and learn all the transferring allegiance. she represented Australia at the Rio Australian record of 2:22:36, set by Willis new challenges in life as a Mum. “It was a really, really strong field. I Paralympic Games in the first triathlon in Diver has now competed at two in 2006, and also the Irish record of expected the Africans to go to the front Paralympic history. “I am loving motherhood, such a joy, and I World Championships for her adopted 2:22:23, set by Catherina McKiernan in and I expected to be two groups behind. am so glad to be able to now put the title homeland - finishing 21st in Beijing in 1998. She’ll only be eligible for the former, She was coming third until the final leg of But everyone started slowly. It was very ‘Mother’ on my CV.” 2015 and 20th in London in 2017. but that doesn’t make them both any the women’s inaugural PT4 Para triathlon windy and nobody wanted to go to the less tantalising. on Rio’s Copacabana beach, but couldn’t But now with the support of her Fast forward to the 2019 London front. hold on, eventually finishing in fifth - husband and family and with a second Marathon.

14 July 2019 | | July 2019 15 OUR PARTNERS

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