A bit of plyometrics and more explosives, not too much heavy weights.
When did you start to focus on hurdles? What is the story behind getting into it?
I always was a sprinter, I’ve always wanted to be a sprinter but my coach was the one that pretty much picked it out for me.
He said, “this is going to be your greatest chance of getting a medal”, and this was for the New Zealand Championships five years ago.
It was just something that stood out for me with how my body shape is. I’ve got really long legs and it was going to be my greatest shot of getting a medal.
Who inspires you in your sporting life?
I would say for athletics my first inspiration would be my two sisters Lexi and Jenna; they were both heavily involved in athletics as their main sports.
After I stopped gymnastics I obviously needed to replace it with something, so my two sisters have really inspired me to become the athlete I am today.
On the big stage, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone - she is the leading 400m hurdler in the world for women. She is an absolute beast. How she gets around that track is incredible to watch.
It is so cool to see people like her endorsing the sport and showing us that what looks to be impossible can be possible.
You dabble in a bit of music - how would you describe your music taste and who do you listen to?
It is quite a funny one, I am not the typical music listener - I like anything with a good ballad.
I love some local Kiwi artists like L.A.B and Six-60. I make a bit of music on the side just as a bit of a hobby.
What is an interesting/ challenging thing about hurdles that the average person might not know?
I say this just because a lot of responses I’ve been getting after that race in Whanganui was that it looked like I didn’t try.
Honestly, a 400m, it is one of those races that tests the human body to the absolute limit. It is not only about being quick but also about being efficient about how you use your speed over a long distance.
It is tough. I’d like everyone to know the after-effects, the migraines, pulsing headaches, legs turn to jelly. After a race, I’m usually on the ground for 20-30 minutes before I can move again.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Representing New Zealand. It was my first ever time last year at the Oceania Championships in Suva, Fiji.
That was a really cool moment to get to wear the fern. You are doing something not just for yourself but you are representing your country. You have done all of this training and prep to get yourself to where you are and now you are representing your country.
That has been my greatest achievement so far with my sport.
You are hosting a dinner with three people alive or dead, who would they be?
I’d probably get Tom Holland and Zendaya. I have always had a childhood crush on Zendaya so now that those two are dating I can become the middle man - I’d have to [invite Tom Holland], it would be rude if I didn’t.
Maybe someone like Robert Downey jnr - I do love my Marvel.
That would be a pretty entertaining dinner I reckon.
What is your go-to “cheat meal”?
I will always be down for a nice steak and chips.
But Kentucky Fried Chicken, honestly, you can’t beat good chicken. Boneless chicken, wicked wings, coleslaw and chips, you can’t miss the chips.
Where is one place in the world you’d like to visit and why?
I have always wanted to go to Europe, that Greece, Italy type of area is my kind of holiday.
But actually, later this year I will be going over to Europe in May to July. Starting off with a couple of competitions, not directly with Athletics New Zealand but for a bit of international experience and then a holiday.
I’ll get to go to my dream destination.
What are the goals for the rest of the year? What events are coming up?
I’ve got a couple of minor competitions over the next few weeks before the Athletics New Zealand Championships nationals at the start of March.
I want to keep building. Commonwealth Games are next year and it would be an absolute honour to be selected for so that is what we will be aiming for.
Obviously, the Olympics is the main final destination and [with] how my progress has been tracking, I think I am on track to being a New Zealander at that next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in three years.
