From representing Australia together in the Hockeyroos to gallivanting in Europe to mend their mutual heartbreak, Stacia Strain and Rachael Lynch’s friendship is as thick as thieves. Hockey brought them together, but friendship became their superglue.
Sarah Thompson’s journey from ballet to high-performance sports offers a unique perspective on athlete welfare. As a former ballerina turned Performance Lifestyle Adviser at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Thompson’s experience navigating the demands of professional dance informs her approach to supporting VIS athletes.
VIS promotes a dual-career approach, where athletes are encouraged to pursue education and personal development alongside their athletic endeavours. Collaborating with educational institutions, like Deakin University, provides balance to the unique needs of high-performance athletes.
Two dedicated judo enthusiasts from Hamburg have navigated their paths from local clubs to the international stage, as coach and athlete, and husband and wife. Their professional partnership in the earlier years and shared passion for judo set up a successful pathway for the pair, but their relationship off the judo mat guides their team oriented mindset to reach goals together.