My weight loss journey

It is now being decided that I want to return to diving but at this stage I am not nearly fit enough to do so with the shape I am in so before I get back on the diving board I embark on my biggest fitness campaign yet.  

I have a whopping 22 kilos to lose and at this stage we are less than one year out from the Olympic trials.  I approached the AIS head Coach Hui Tong if i can use the AIS Strength and Conditioning Coach to oversee my program and keep me on track.  This proves to be tougher than I imagine.  

I have lost more fitness than I thought, my flexibility is next to nothing and I have no strength left.  I know it will be tough but it will be worth it in the end.

After 3 months of 2 hours of cardio 6 days a week combined with a low fat diet with portion controlled meals and I was fit enough to get back into bathers.  It is now coming up to one year ago that I did my first dive back into the water.  I was still very uncoordinated.  My limbs seemed like they had a mind of their own and my core stability was still very poor so it was difficult for me to spin somersaults.

To be honest there were more times when I wondered how I was going to pull this off and get back on a team but I had come to far and set the wheels in motion so I had to follow through.

There were times when my body was too sore, I was getting niggling injuries and I was very frustrated and emotional but what kept me going was that I would have a little win every now and then the motivation kicked in.

As hard as the initial part of the come back was, the challenge was so satisfying and I began to appreciate my sport more and more each day.  I knew this would be my final year and I was determined to enjoy it. I did, I love diving.  I love the training and I love working towards something big!  

If I wasn't going to make the team for Beijing, I was going to enjoy my time trying!

Hi there, this is my first post about my Olympic preparation.  For most people, I am sure they are saying that they are excited about the upcoming games and training is on track.  For me, it is a little more complicated but it makes it all the more exciting.

You see, I not only dive for Australia I also work for Diving Australia.  I am the National Talent Identification Coordinator and I love my job.  When I retired from diving in 2006 after the Commonwealth Games I didn't know how I would contribute my time to my sport.  I love diving and I would like nothing more than to see the sport grow an

d become bigger and better! It was the perfect role for me.  This was the perfect job for me.

My husband was also a diver - he didn't do too badly.  Just a World Championship Gold and a few (3) bronzes over two Olympic Games. We both retired to do our own thing.  I was working for diving and Robert was studying medicine.

One year out from the Olympic Games and I get 'Olympic fever' and I itch my way into my bathers.  Rob copies me.  Ha ha..

First up - I have to lose some weight. Since retirement I have to lose 22 kilo's.  yep - On a 5 foot frame, I look shocking!

Will talk again soon!!