Alyce Burnett

Details

Category: Kayak/Canoe

ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2010 Junior International Regatta- Gold – K1 1000 & K1 500.
• 2010 Australian Senior Team member as a Junior.
• 2010 Australian Canoeing Junior Kayaker of the year.
• 2011 Australian Championships – Gold – K2 500, Silver – K1 1000, Silver K4 500.
• 2011 Senior Australian team member.
• 5th 2011 World Cup - K1 1000
• 2011 Senior World Championships – K2 1000 – 8th Place
• Member of the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland Academy of Sport.

How did you become involved in Kayaking?

I have been involved in Surf Life Saving since I was 7. At first I hated the idea of racing, but it slowly grew on me and suddenly I wanted to become an ironwoman. I saw a poster advertising the National Talent ID program tryouts for kayaking, I hated the idea of kayaking but I loved the idea of it helping my ski leg. And here I am now, a full time Kayaker!

Who is your sporting hero?

Clint Robinson. He is a life member of my surf club, Maroochydore and he reached the highest peak a Kayaker can reach, an Olympic Gold medal. He has helped me out with my paddling and around the club and is the most motivated and determined person I have ever met!

Age you started in your sport?

I started at the end of 2008 when I was 16.

Height, weight, age?

182cm's, 71kg, 19 Years Old.

Accreditation's/degrees/qualifications?

I have completed year 12 and am currently studying a Bachelor of Communication, Majoring in Journalism.

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

The Olympic Dream.... I went to the Sydney Olympics when I was 8 years old and witnessed people from different sports and different countries winning Gold! Ever since then I have wanted to win an Olympic Gold Medal. At that stage I had absolutely no idea which sport it would be in, but now I know its Kayaking.

What motivated you to start your sport?

The fact that I thought it would improve my ski leg for Surf Life Saving.

What is your current business/job?

I am a casual Lifeguard and also study a Bachelor degree Part-Time.

Who do you race for club/state?

Sunshine Coast Kayak Club, Queensland.

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

My Parents are definitely my biggest motivators and inspirators.  There is also a man nicknamed "Father" down at my Surf Club. He is 96 years old and still goes for a swim at the beach everyday and is actively involved in our club. He lives life to the fullest and has taught me how to appreciate and be proud of everything i have and have done.

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

Too many to pick out just one!!!! The first one that springs to mind is Nippers in general!

Your interests and hobbies?

I am a very keen water skier and wake boarder. I also enjoy public speaking and movie making.

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

Someday, someone may make a movie of your life.... Make sure it doesn't go straight to DVD.

Family Background(where did you grow up) and Current Family

I am a born and bred Sunshine Coast girl. I have a Brother, Clayton and a Sister, April... My Mum and Dad separated when I was young so I also have a step Mum and Dad and a couple of step brothers and sisters.

What is your happiest memory?

Winning Gold at the Bochum International Junior regatta in 2010 in the K1 500... I think that day it hit home that I could actually paddle!

Who did you idolize growing up?

All of the older competitors in my Surf Club!

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

No! At school to begin with I was always the kid who tried everything and never really excelled at anything. Then as I reached high school I became better at the core school sports and surf life saving, but I definitely was never the 'best!'

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Always have fun with what you are doing and regret nothing!

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

It has really taught me how to get everything out of myself both mentally and physically. It has also opened up so many doors for me in the future once my athlete career is over!

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My Mum and my Dad hands down! They would drop everything for me just help out... I also have to thank my little Brother and Sister for being dragged along unwillingly too!

Who has been your best coach?

Two people... My old dancing teacher Maria Shanks and my first proper swimming coach Darren Naylor. They both taught me discipline and how to love what I am doing!

Sporting Background?

I was originally a Dancer who turned to Surf Life Saving who turned to Kayaking.

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

I am a firm believer in having a balanced diet and treating yourself every now and again with something little but satisfying! If I didn't treat myself I think I would go crazy!

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

Kayak 8 times per week, Gym 3 times, Cross training 3 times and usually some other stuff in there too.
My favourite sessions can be in any of these categories, they are the ones I feel I have improved the most!!! Generally this is within a Kayak session I can feel these improvements.

Worst injury you have suffered?

An inflamed bursa in my Left Shoulder. I had to have a cortisone injection in it. Compared to most Kayakers this is nothing - TOUCH WOOD!

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

An Olympic Gold Medal!

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

There are so many people who are within seconds of the Worlds best... Every little thing really does count!

How do you deal with temptation?

Think about my major goal!

What is your favourite movie?

Finding Nemo!

What is your favourite music/band/song?

I love anything to do with Rihanna.

What is your biggest fear?

Sharks! Kayaking is a sport in open water where Sharks are constantly lurking, and I am always on the look out!

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

Yes. I believe this quote goes hand in hand with "No excuses." As soon as an athlete has an excuse they are only cheating themselves.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

Yes. I evaluate what I did wrong and come up with a better plan on how to tackle it next time!

What inspired you to succeed?

The thought of having an Olympic Gold Medal around my neck. I know that to get this I have to tick so many other boxes first, so every box I tick is a little success in my book!

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

I have to fight for what I believe in!

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

I think I wanted to be everything imaginable. I could never make up my mind!

What is your worst fear?

Coming face to face with a Shark.

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

Mum, Dad, Nana, my Sister April and Brother Clayton... I definitely do not get to spend enough time with them!

What is one item you cannot live without?

My Phone!!!! I don't think it leaves my pocket unless I am in a Kayak!

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

I want to attend 3 Olympic Games and have at least one Gold Medal to my name. I also help build the profile of Kayaking within Australia and help it become a more main stream sport.
When I finish sport I want to become a TV sports journalist or commentator.

People you would like to thank?

My Family, Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, Nelo Australia, and all of the individuals who have helped me out along the way... You know who you are!

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Alyce giving us the rundown on everything from sharks to training click here