Aussies day three: One Big Day – Part 3: The semi final ill never forget!

By now energy levels were starting to dwindle. After the hype of the relay we left the presentation area to prepare for the flags. I felt like I should be getting into my pyjamas and hoping into bed. Instead I was practicing beach flags ready to contest the quarterfinals. Flags are very much a mental sport. Being in the right state of mind is critical. Getting into the right mindset wasn’t too difficult. The key is to be relaxed and clam. The difficulty today was pushing the nerves aside. Today I knew 100% that at the end of the day there would be a final of eight. This seemed like a scary thought at first. Until I kept reminding myself that there would be a place for me in that final eight. At the end of the day someone has to take them!

The quarterfinals were a good warm up. Thankfully I was on the ball from the start. The best thing was that Claire and Hayley had qualified for the semis too. Claire was in the other and Hayley was in mine.

Down we went onto the line. My first turn was sharp and I lined up for a flag. Taking the dive I stretched out my hands opened around the flag. Bang! Someone had come from nowhere. Knocking the living daylights out of me. Instantly shocked my hands mustn’t have had time to clamp down on the flag and it was gone. Where was it? I came up without the flag, realising that it was Hayley that knocked me. But none of us had the flag. I was underneath and knew the flag was there somewhere. Remaining calm I quickly put my hand in for the search. Where was it? After a few seconds of scrambling I felt the hose, clenched it tight and pulled it out! Few! That was a close one!

The blow from Hayley had been hard and I didn’t feel quite right when I stood up. So I took my time getting back for the next run off. I was second from the end this time. Feeling happy with the line up, I got down on the sand again. Whistle blasting, it was another good turn. This time coming across to line up the end flag. Devina, a long-standing great flagger was on my left. I was about to take her flag. She used her body well against me. But I muscled through and as I took my dive her feet clipped mine. I plummeted into the sand headfirst with arms outstretched. The flag was secure but I came up with a face full of sand. I had taken another bashing. I took some breaths before facing the next run.

The cheer squad was awesome. Spotting Crib, Nai and Dys on the sidelines lifted my moral. The next run off I was clear, grabbing a flags no problems. Now it was the run off for the finals. I drew lane one. In my mind I was already there, but physically I needed to get there. My turn could have been better and Michelle on my left started to come over. I couldn’t go for my end flag. Some quick thinking and I switched directions, weaving behind Michelle for the other flag. Someone else was lining up for this one too. Not today, I had worked too hard to let this one go. In the contested dive I came up with the flag. The flag to the final!  A magical feeling, I had made it!

Aussies day three: One Big Day – Part 2: Relay in the Medals!

There is something about running in a beach relay for Anglesea SLSC. Maybe it’s the history of Anglesea and those who have gone before us. Maybe it’s the uniqueness of the individuals that come together to form a team. Whatever it is, it’s a great feeling.

Today Molly, Hayley, Claire and I would start in the Open women’s event. In my first years to Aussies I ran with the likes of Elly, Hutton, Vanessa Guest, Catherine Marshall, Lucy Robinson and Em Watsford. But most inspirational of all was Nai, Naomi Symington. The biggest team player I had every worked with. A great runner, she knew how to step to run relays. She is now the president at Anglesea. The best thing was that she was here today. Originally she had decided not to come to the Aussies. In the end, she couldn’t resist and brought a last minute ticket.

The four of us warmed up together. We were a great team. We had had some setbacks throughout the season but we were here now. Our running order had changed around many times. As Mol had broken her right arm she would start and I would take the baton from her in our perfected “left handed change.” Hayley was next and Claire would bring us home. Together we made our way down the water. There was room here to practice our changes. Nai met us all there, watching on and giving us the final tips. She believed in us and I knew she wanted this as much as we did.

Collectively we had ranked out team in the top four of the competition. Considering this we were a pretty good shot at making the final. However we didn’t want to be too confident. I was particularly nervous which was a good thing. However I had to concentrate hard for the first baton change. The race was good and we had placed second. We cruised through to the final. Our changes could improve and we agreed that we would all step up the pace.

Before to long we were being called for the final. Waiting in the marshaling area, we all stood together. Last week, we trained at Anglesea beach. The weather was gloomy and we were the only ones on the beach. We had filled a jar with Anglesea beaches sand and it was in my pocket. We stood together in a circle giggling with our jar of Anglesea. A lot had happened for us all to get here as a team. This didn’t matter, it didn’t matter whom we were racing against. We just wanted to contest this final!

Running from the top lane we took up our spots. Mol and Hayley walked to the other end of the track that felt like forever. Finally Mol was in the blocks and they were away. All I could see was her charging towards me at a rate of knots! I didn’t know where the other teams were, but that didn’t matter. She hit my mark and I flew out.

What happened next can only be described as pure luck, perhaps mixed with a small amount of skill! The two or so seconds that follow felt like eternity. Meeting in the middle the baton was up, my hands were out and Mol let go. I started to accelerate but where was the baton? Normally it was secure in my hand but not this time. I didn’t freak out, I kept powering on. Naturally my arms had come crossed over my chest. I was hugging the baton. Thankfully my right hand aligned and I clasped the baton pulling it backwards with my next stride. Those who saw this told me I didn’t even break stride! For the first few steps I had felt like I had no baton. Our team had been very lucky. Racing down the track I knew we were close. The change with Hayley was seamless and my work was done.

All I could do now was cheer for Hayley. She was flying. Her change with Claire was brilliant and we were now on the home run. I couldn’t look at the other teams but I knew they were there. I knew it would be close and I knew we were in it! Claire had stepped up and she was motoring home. Every step she took she was getting closer. She crossed the line and I stood there frozen. We had done it, we were third and we had collected and Aussie medal. The feeling was wonderful.

The feeling of winning an Aussies medal came flooding back to me. Until we were all there as a team I felt like we couldn’t celebrate! Our cheer squad congratulated us as we technically dissected each part of the race. When we saw the others Mol seemed upset and apologised profusely about our change. For a moment she was unaware where we had placed. I told her it didn’t matter because we had come third. Her face lifted with confusion, excitement and almost disbelief. This was her first Aussie medal. She had done it with a broken arm! They don’t just give away Aussie medals, you have to earn them and we had. This was a wonderful moment.

Aussies day three: One Big Day – Part 1 Beach Sprint

Today we rose early, the entire team would be racing today as we had relays, sprints and some flags. The team walked down to the warm up area together. This was a great feeling. This team was amazing one that has grown so much in the last few years. I was so excited to be surrounded by these wonderful people.

We warmed up together and felt invincible. After a few laps of the park Lloyd – the beach team captain gathered us together. He reminded us what we were doing here and more importantly where we had come from. This mini pep talk would get us going. The energy this team was generating fuelled my excitement.

First up were the sprint semis finals. I didn’t want to know where I was and who was in my race. The marshal called me to heat 1, lane 1. I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Not having to hear or see who would be in my race. Again the hood went on and I focused on my lane. All I could see at the end of my lane was the number one on the gates. The words “gold” (as in gold coast) were on the sponsors banner ahead of me. This worked for me. Adrenaline was racing and energy levels were high. The nerves ran around my body, the atmosphere was electric. Settling into the blocks and calming my nerves just enough was easy. The gun blasted, I powered out and I felt amazing. What was happening, I was winning? I felt like I was floating. I had that feeling I love, of running fast. Lost in the moment. Relaxed in the rhythm and the pace. Hair flying behind you and your face is cold.

When I crossed the line something inside me smiled. Looking over to my support crew on the fence, I was in shock. Where had I pulled that run from? I should have remembered my reputation in semi finals. Historically it’s normally my best performances at Aussies. I couldn’t believe what I had just done. Right now, I was a finalist in the Open Women’s Beach Spring for 2011. Incredible!

After the semi it was a nervous wait for the final. All other finals had been run but due to the TV coverage there was time delay for open events. The feeling of making an Aussie final is second to none. Waiting in the empty arena they called us to the line. The camera panned passed and I smiled, excited just to be here. This was cool! I’m on TV!

Silence fell over the beach and all I could hear was the thudding music building the anticipation. This was kind of scary. Not a sound and we were on our marks. As the gun blast the crowd roared. Screaming and cheering was all I could hear and I belted down the track. A frightening yet exciting experience. Crossing the line in eight place, the trill of running in the final was enough. I nearly hadn’t entered the race and this time last year I couldn’t event walk! This was huge!

 

Aussies day two: A day of Flags ill never forget…with only one run off!

Beach flags heats are always the most frustrating at Aussies. They are normally all scheduled on one day. Taking the competitors down to a final of eight. I woke up on Friday morning knowing that by the end of the day the finals would be decided. Competition wasn’t starting till 2pm. This alone made me wonder if we would even get the heats finished. Most competitors would agree that it was a long agonising day. The sleep in was great, but then we waited and waited. We warmed up and waited some more.

When we finally got called on to the beach arena it must have been about 3.15pm. Watsy and Dyson had gone before me in the under 19 men’s event. They were both through to the finals. Both so excited and relieved that there day was over. I wanted to be in their position. And so we waited.

By the time we got to the line it must have been about 3.50pm. All competition must stop at 4pm. After last year’s tragedy, this was a new rule implemented to avoid long tiering days on the beach. In an attempt to speed up the program 3 competitors would be eliminated per run. This was cut throat and made me nervous. I focused all my energy on pushing this aside. Instead I would just enjoy the moment and soak up the atmosphere.

Finally were on the beach, whistle blasting. Someone broke and we were called back. You can hardly blame them, after waiting all day for our first start. My start was great but we would go again. That competitor was eliminated. I was in lane one, which left me only one option, the end flag. Bang, whistle blasted again. We were up and running, so determined to get the hose that lay ahead of me! I got it! A great relief to have the first run done and dusted. Not knowing the time, the official told me that we might be finished for the day. 3.55pm. Sure enough she was right.

In a matter of moments it was all over. Although I was frustrated at the same time, a wave of relief rushed over me. The commotion that went on was quite amusing, the field of girls had only one run off and we were calling it a day. The news was that we would complete the round on Saturday after the sprints (semis and finals) and relay (semis and finals).

Tomorrow was going to be a big day. The frustration of the events had put me on edge, and I tried to brush it aside. I couldn’t. I felt happy for my teammates who had made it though but couldn’t relax completely. That entire day and there we were one flag run off, with the entire event ahead of me. I keep telling myself ‘it is what it is’ and there has to be eight girls to make that final, there would be a spot in that final for me!

Aussies Day One

Thursday was our first day of competition. Beach sprint and relay heats. I had been training for beach flags this year. Opting out of the beach sprints had always been my intention for Aussies. However I had been toying with the idea of having a run. The tracked seemed good. I was feeling good. The relay was later that day and it would be a good warm up. I was in!

The plan was to have a hit out in the first round. If I was on pace I would continue, if not, I’d withdraw and save my energy for the relay and beach flags. This didn’t go exactly to plan. The heat I drew had only four competitors. The top four would qualify for the quarterfinals. As long as no one broke we would all get through.

Quarterfinals were up next and it was time to switch on. My plan was to run my own race. I didn’t want to know the competition. Nor did I want to know who was in the lanes next to me, or heats behind me. For our team uniform this year we had been given a white hoodie. This was my perfect retreat. I pulled the hood over my head and fell into my own world. The marshal called my name “Heat two, lane one, Abby from Anglesea.” Perfect, I thought. Being here meant I wouldn’t have to see or know whom I would race against. I lined up staring directly ahead, down my lane. The starter called us to our marks and I could have been the only one on the beach. As the gun went I channelled all the power and speed I could find. Propelling forward, I glided along the sand. Feeling relaxed and fast I finished the race. Effortlessly it seemed Barley raising a puff! It worked, I had just cruised through the semi finals placing second.

Soon after we were informed that our relays went down to straight semis. We wouldn’t have to run them today. Tomorrow we would flag. I could only try my luck in the sprint semi on Saturday. Our relay would feature then too. For now I was content. Day one was over.

Aussies Eve

Here I am, in room seven at Broadbeach Central. Today is the eve of Aussies 2011. 14 years ago I came to Kurrawa for my first Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. The atmosphere was electric, the hype was intense and as a 15 year old there was no better feeling than arriving at Kurrawa. Experiencing this event for the very first time. Today was no different. Perhaps this is not expressed so outwardly anymore, but the excitement still flows through my veins when I arrive at this beach.

The half of the Anglesea Beach team that have arrived, assemble at four o’clock. We would have one last training session on the beach. There is nothing quite like walking out onto Kurrawa beach on the eve of the championships. The eyrie thrill of being in the middle of the beach sprint track is electric. Grandstands line the edge and the big screen towers above us. What has gone before us and what is about to happen is what makes this place buzz. The cool sand slips through my toes. The light breeze dances through the hair that has fallen from my ponytail. I’m excited. Everybody here is. The energy bounces off one another. Block starts for some, beach flags starts for others. We finish off with baton changes with our relay teams. Before we leave the beach some words of the advise from our incredibly talented leader in Peter Van Miltenburg. John Baldock also adds his bit. Brimming with passion for the Anglesea Beach Team, his enthusiasm seeps into each and every one of us.

At out team meeting we hear of the day’s results. In closing Peter Van adds some words for us to think about. His passion, enthusiasm, and pride for the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club are immense. Everyone sits in silence not daring to move a muscle. Eyes focused on the speaker. Every word is bellowed with absolute meaning, as the team is captivated by his words. I certainly am. The passion reaps before me from this man, my coach, my friend. I am so proud to be a part of this movement with this team.

In a short unexpected chat with Peter Van, in front of room one, I’m offered one final piece of advice. Seemingly fitting on the eve of our first race. What you need to this weekend is let go of the past, the expectations and the wonder. You need to let go so you can find the single reason in why you are here. Look inside yourself and unleash your passion, the love for what you are doing here and why you are doing it. Let it be. Then and only then will you achieve your true potential.

Aussies is looming...

Claire and I waited in the car. The wind lashed across South Melbourne beach and cars were in gridlock along Beaconsfield Parade. The beach was empty and the water looked more than uninviting. Friday night beach sessions were always how our squad finished the week. Tonight was different; there was buzz in the air. Tonight was one of the last sessions for the season.

The team trickled in one by one. Hayley, Wooly, Lloyd, Simon and Dyson. Claire and I gave up the warm car for the blustering wind to join the others. Wattsy, Kate and Steph came after. Aussies was looming and excitement grew within the squad.

Most of us were there tonight. We rolled through our warm up and head onto the sand. Our final preparations were making us sharp. Our team was coming together and we were energized for the week ahead. Relay changes, block starts and flags. Stories were told from previous years Aussies, as we wondered what we would make of this years Championship. We couldn’t wait to get to Kurrawa and as the session came to an end, we were one step closer.

For now we had done the work, and that had been a lot of work. For me it was 2 years work. The Anglesea Beach Team were ready, I was ready.

A lesson learnt at the State Championships

Today was just another day of competition. This morning we woke up early. We played our favourite songs though my computer. Claire, Hayley, Tahni and I joked around as we packed our bags for the carnival. Today was day 2 of the Victorian State Life Saving Championships for 2011. We were all excited but for me it felt like just another carnival.

The championships were held at Lakes Entrance. Juniors and seniors came together on the same beach. With bags packed and dressed in green and white we began the walk to the beach. The pilgrim we called it. Competitors, nippers, coaches, mums and dads made their way to the beach. Moving as one along the boardwalk, across the bridge, over the hill and onto the beach. The calm morning was quite but the atmosphere was certainly buzzing. The sunrise was picture perfect red, pink orange and yellow.

Beach flags are by far and above my favourite event. The finals first up on today’s program. The sun got hot quickly as we warmed up. Or perhaps we were preparing to do battle against the seven other competitors. I watched on as the age finals took place before us. Fellow competitors and friends fighting it out, winning in glory, others losing, shatteringly devastated in their performance. I absorbed the mixed emotions and attempted to harness the good. Instill confidence in my ability. This is my event, I have proved it to myself this year and today would be not different.

The girls and I marshaled at the bottom of the track. Anglesea had strength in numbers, as we always do. But there were only six of us today. This meant it would require only five run offs to become the champion. Before long we were underway. There seemed so many feelings and thoughts racing though my mind. Concentration the key, focus the challenge. Elimination one by one and before I knew it we were down to just two. My sister and favourite friend were now in a position of fierce rivalry. Claire and I, would battle it out. Only one of us could win.

I drew lane one. Id had one turn in this lane already, it didn’t seem quite right. Blocking those thoughts, I told myself it was the winning lane. I was confident and focused. We prepared the cool sand and took up our positions. We could have been the only two on the beach. Silence and stillness fell around us as we awaited the start. The blast of the whistle was the reaction queue. Powering my body into action. I snapped up and turned to face the flag. Racing out of the blocks, shoulder to shoulder. I should have been clean if front but my turn had been sluggish. Panic set in as I attempted desperately to turn it into power and speed. We launched for the flag in a fight of our bodies. My hand reached out and closed in around the flag. Was it there? The sand fell away and I felt the rubber hose. I clenched on with my entire mite. We came up together neither of us wanting to let go. The judges consulted as we waited for an outcome. A re run was called.

Playing it out all over again. My feelings were strange. Anxious and scattered I made my way up to the line. The familiar voice from the sideline stood out amongst all others. Vans words were a blessing and set my mind at ease. Back to the concentration and focus. This time it would be mine. My turn was spot on and I was out in front, I had it. Launching for the flag, she came powering over me. I looked down at the flag her hands had it too? Where had she come from? Again the judges consulted. We waited in confusion. Approaching us they explained the situation. They believe my hands had grabbed the baton first, I was declared the winner in a strange series of events. Claire had thought she had the flag clear in the first run off and was disappointed with the decision. This wasn’t the same winning feeling. There was a lesson learnt proving a warning for me. Four weeks out from the Australian Championships at Kurrawa.

Ready to Race

When the 10^th December ticked over I was filled with adrenaline. I felt ready to race. Of course I had my doubts but they had been buried by my excitement. Battle of the beach was the first competition on Friday night. On Sunday would come the ‘real’ first carnival at Ocean Grove.

Battle of the beach would be tough. Starting off with three 90m-beach sprint races. I was just happy to make it through. The beach flags was what I really wanted to win. Before I knew it, we were down to the final race off. Pausing for a moment, I realised how much I had gone through to put myself here. I smiled and took up my position. From here, it didn’t matter what happened, because I had made it this far. Nailing the turn, my competitive spirit kicked in. Diving to the ground, I grabbed the flag to take the win. Overwhelmed by emotion and excitement, my hands trembled. The thrill of competing came flooding back. This was a wonderful moment.

Backing up on Sunday for competition would test the body. This was the first official carnival for the year. A cold, windy and rainy day at the beach was nothing new at a Victorian surf carnival. Excitement and enthusiasm had carried through from Friday night as I found myself lining up in the final few for the beach flags. To confirm to myself that Friday night had not been a fluke! Again I found myself in the final two. Again I paused and remembered and smiled and laughed to myself in my head. I was here. Friday night was not a fluke as I backed up with victory again.

Being back on the beach and feeling fit was amazing. Over the past 12 months a lot had gone on. Physically, mentally and emotionally I had been pulled through the highs, the lows and everything in between. My moods had been up and down. My doubts came and went. However when I stepped onto the beach, I was ready.

For this, I owe credit to my team. All of the inspirational people and supporters around me. On the medical side the main contributors were my surgeon, physio, physiologist, psychologist and massage therapist. My housemates, friends and family. Joe and the Gulli gang, my old training squad. Everyone at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club for their care and support. The Angle beachies squad, the guys that make training so wonderful every single day. I look forward to training so much because of you guys! Nai, Nes, Jade and Balls who inspire me to keep going and search for the best in myself. Andy who’s advise is invaluable. Mum and Dad for being there whenever I needed and offering their support no matter what happened.

My coach Van, what an inspirational friend you have been. Your outlook on life, your views on issues, your coaching ability are second to none. Above all I admire your attitude to ‘keeping it real.’ Keeping me down to earth. I love your passion for getting the very best out of your athletes. I cant thank you enough for the time and energy you have invested in me as an athlete and friend.

My sister Claire, thank you for being their every step of the way. You inspire me.

Thanks to Danielle Lynch for the wonderful photos.