Rachel Goh

Details

Category: Swimming

How did you become involved in swimming?

I started swimming because my two older brothers swam. I used to go and watch them train/compete and it was natural that I wanted to swim too. It was second nature to me after I had my tantrums about swimming, initially!

Who is your sporting hero?

I don't have a particular sporting hero as Ive always respected and admired the greats across many sports.

Age you started in your sport?

Started swimming at age 4 and competitively at age 7

Height, weight, age?

165cm, 58kg, 25 years old 

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

Bachelor of Psychology - Auburn University (AL,USA) completed

ACU- Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (honours) in progress.

Bronze Coaching License- Swimming

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

The love that I have for my sport. Swimming is one of the great passions in my life. Swimming tests me to the core of who I am and what I can get out of myself. It continually pushes me to my limits and beyond. Making teams, competing and representing Australia internationally is what I live for with swimming.

What motivated you to start your sport?

My two older brothers swam and I used to go and watch them all the time. I followed in their footsteps and it was something that came naturally to me. Something I could just do and loved it from the beginning. The competition and success drew me in.

What is your current business/job?

Postgraduate student (Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (honours)) & Swim Coach

Who do you race for club/state?

 Nunawading Swimming Club (VIS), Victoria, Melbourne

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

My parents. Seeing and knowing where they have come from and what they have made of their lives is inspiring.

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

Going to University in the US for 4.5 years. One of the best experiences of my life. Gave me the opportunity to race and be apart of multiple National Championship winning University teams. Auburn University. Got invited to the White House & meet President George Bush. Representing Australia in Green & Gold at World Championships (short course '08,'10)

Your interests and hobbies?

Outside of the pool I love being a girly girl and enjoy fashion, shopping, finding good eating spots, relaxing at the beach, spending time with my dog (chino) beagle & hanging with family and friends.

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

"Believe in Belief" Richard Quick.

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

My family are Malaysian but I was born in Australia and always grew up in Melbourne.

What is your happiest memory?

Not sure. Too many!

Who did you idolize growing up?

My brothers.

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

I was an exceptional age group swimmer since I was 7. I was continually winning at a young age through my teenage years. This presents tougher challenges growing up on top and dealing with the ups and downs at an early age. Had to persevere though performance plateaus multiple times.

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

Always love what you do. If you reach a point that you may start disliking/despising what you are doing, it may be time to take a look at what you are doing and make some changes for the better.

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

Swimming has helped shape who I am and better equipped to deal with situations in life. The life experience I have gained from swimming is priceless and I would not change it. It has taught me discipline, passion, motivation, commitment and many more qualities. A past respected coach once told me "It's not a sacrifice in the pursuit of your dreams"

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My family. Dad had the role of taking me all those early mornings to training. My two older brothers have always believed in me and my talent.

Who has been your best coach?

Ive been lucky enough in my time in swimming to be coached by some of the best coaches in the world. The coach that stands out to me would have to be David Marsh (USA). We were just a great team. I have had too many great coaching influences to choose from.

Sporting Background and current list of results/achievements?

Australian & Commonwealth record holder 2008 100m backstroke short course,

Silver medal 50m backstroke, world championships short course (Dubai 2010),

Two time NCAA 100m backstroke champion & Auburn University team.

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

Anything my mum cooks! Asian food & a good breakfast meal.  

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

Quality & Power sessions are my favourite. The sessions that require maximal effort and are physically and mentally challenging.

Worst injury you have suffered?

I have been fairly lucky with injuries and swimming (knock on wood) but the worst thing that has happened to me was that I was hospitalized for a week for a gangrenous infected appendix.

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

World record, Olympic Gold medal

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

Swimming is unforgiving in that training has no rest periods. Yearly sport. Early mornings.

What is your favourite movie?

Pride & Prejudice 

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Never give up!  

How do you deal with temptation?

Don't go near it. 

What is your favourite music/band/song?

top 40, rnb, pop 

What is your biggest fear?

I have potentially feared my own ability at times which is something I'm continually working on. Fear the unknown and how good you can really be.

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

Not necessarily. Never giving up is a factor. Like anything in life there are many things that contribute to success. Talent is another thing to consider as well as opportunities.

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

Everything and anything! I overcome with perseverance as hindsight gives me clarity. The tough times for me are character building phases that just make me stronger in the end.

What inspired you to succeed?

My family upbringing and the opportunity to challenge myself to higher limits. Love of swimming. I always saw my potential.

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

Olympian

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

Get the best out of myself and hopefully make the teams Im targeting. Future goals : Psychologist. 

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

Oprah, Paulo Cohelo, President Obama, Ryan Gosling, Anne Frank 

What is one item you cannot live without?

my bed - sleep!

People you would like to thank?

Everyone that has given me undying support and believed in me throughout my career. The team behind me!

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