Thinking about the reasons why I do what I do, why did I chose coaching and what made me stick with it.
I started out as a marathon paddler, I spent many successful years competing before my dreams were shattered by an injury. I have had many injuries but this one stopped me in my tracks. At 18 years of age I was told I would never race again and unlikely I would ever paddle again, I thought my life was over.
For almost 3 years I fought a difficult recovery but I was determined to prove the doctors wrong and I was even more determined to paddle again. I finally got to a stage where I could paddle a bit but my heart wasn't in it. The competitiveness in me just wanted to race but my racing days were definitely over. It was then suggested to me about becoming a coach, I wasn't so keen but it was my only option at that stage.
6 years on I now coach people every day in life. Coaching allows me to work with people from all walks of life and it has helped me to discover more about who I am as a person. I am thankful for the special quality I was blessed with, that allows me to influence, empower and inspire others.
I coach because I love it, I coach because I love providing opportunities in paddlesport for everyone. Coaching allows me to support and watch people do things they once thought they couldn't. I coach to give back to the sport that I love, to help to maintain, progress and promote it.
Back when I started coaching I always said, If I was ever fit enough to race again I would give up coaching and go back to my competitive ways. I said this for many years and when that time arose I didn't do it. That passion I had for racing once upon a time had now become a bigger passion for coaching. I now get more of a buzz from helping others to reach their goals than me reaching mine. That competitive person is still inside me, it does challenge me from time to time to ensure that I am being the best I can be.
I am extremely thankful that I was blessed with that special quality that allows me to inspire others.