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.