Harriet Brown

Details

Category: Surf Life Saving

How did you become involved in your sport?

I did a lot of pool swimming when I was younger.  My sister Alexandra started nippers at Ocean Grove SLAC because many of her friends did it. I used to go along and watch. But watching is boring so of course I wanted have a go too. I just liked to race, not train as training was too cold. I started training for surf life saving at age 12.

Age you started in your sport?

9

Height, weight, age?

184, 68, 21

Accreditation's/degrees/qualifications?

Bachelor of Exercise Science,
Accredited Exercise Physiologist

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

The thrill and adrenaline of being in the ocean, the addictiveness of endorphins, and the life long friends made during training and competition

What motivated you to start your sport?

My elder sister competed in surf life saving. When I was younger I wanted to be just like her, so I started racing at nippers too. I loved it from the beginning, apart from the cold weather.

What is your current business/job?

Exercise Physiologist at 'Safe and Healthy'

Who do you race for?

Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

The best experience I have had was going to France on exchange for 2 and a half months when I was 16. I stayed with a family who were involved in surf life saving (Candice and Johnathon Desperges). I went to a French school over there, as well as trained and competed in surf life saving. It was a big shock to me as the family spoke very little English. I was forced to learn French pretty fast!

Your interests and hobbies?

Going to the beach for fun! Catching up with friends, cooking yummy dinners with my housemates, travelling and sleeping.

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

I grew up in Geelong with my parents and sister (Alexandra). Mum and dad were kayakers. My family still live in Victoria. I now live on the Gold Coast but love going home.

Who did you idolize growing up?

Kirsten Ulmer

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

Not really. I always had natural ability and was pretty good at running, swimming, water polo and surf etc., but I didn’t really focus on one sport (surf life saving) until much later. I realised I had potential in surf life saving when I was younger as I did well in the Victorian competition. However, when competing in interstate, I wasn’t very competitive against the QLD and NSW competitors. When I moved up to Northcliffe 3 years ago, I was one of the worst in the squad, but I have just kept training, working hard and improving.

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

Always embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Enjoy your sport and make the most of the friendships and good times that can be had when racing, training, going away and social events. Even if you are not the best now, things change. There have been many times when I have felt like giving up. I have felt like I will never get there or achieve what I had set out to do. It is important to remain persistent and set goals. If you work hard enough and want it badly enough, you will get there.

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

One incredible aspect of sport is that it has given me the opportunity to travel. Initially it was to different states, and more recently I have travelled to Japan and New Zealand as part of the Australian junior team. Going away as part of a team is the best fun and it is awesome to meet so many great people.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My sister, Alexandra. She tries to make it to as many competitions as she can and always tries to watch when I’m on TV. She is also the best person to talk to about everything, and helps to keep everything in perspective.

Who has been your best coach?

Mark Graham (Ocean Grove SLsC): from age 13-18.  I think it is difficult for a coach to keep athletes interested in sport going through their teens. MG inspired me to keep going, by keeping training fun but also very goal focused.
My current coaches Gavin Hill & Barry Newman (Northcliffe) and Colin Braund (Bond Swimming) are great coaches for me at this stage in my life as I have matured as an athlete and need to be pushed harder.

Sporting Background and list of results/achievements?

Ironwoman Series competitor 2009/10 (wildcard), 2010/11 and 2011/12

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

I eat a lot of food. I am constantly eating throughout the day. My favourite foods are, green tea, dark chocolate, Nanas home made Anzac biscuits and mangoes.

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

Swimming at the pool, 3-4 mornings a week. Every afternoon either board or ski, alternating between the beach and the river. A big ironwoman session on Saturday morning and ironwoman changeovers on Wednesday Morning. I also do running two mornings after swimming and sometimes before training in the afternoon. I also do resistance exercises for strengthening (core, legs and shoulders) 2-3 days per week.

Worst injury you have suffered?

I tore ligaments in my ankle during ski training. I couldn’t run for a few months and had to watch at Aussies.

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

The Coolangatta Gold, The Ironwoman series and the Australian Championships

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

As there are multiple disciplines (board, swim, ski and run), it is difficult to fit in all the required aspects of training around study, work and other distractions. It is also difficult to maintain solid performances in every discipline. The sport also provides challenging conditions such as big surf, wind and cold water

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

To learn from my mistakes

How do you deal with temptation?

By living by the motto that everything is good in moderation. That makes me feel better when I do give in to temptation …like dark chocolate.

What is your favourite music/band/song?

Angus and Julia stone, Bon Iver etc

What is your biggest fear?

Sharks. I am probably in the wrong sport

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

Yes and no. It is necessary to train and push hard in order to do well. However, there are times when you need to give up. I suffered from glandular fever 2 years ago where I could not to do any form of sport for 3 months. I have learnt from that experience to listen to my body and not push too hard in some situations.

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

Yes, my drivers license – 3 times. Also my Grade 8 science test and my frequent failure to remember where I put everything.

What inspired you to succeed?

To reach my full potential.

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

A lolly pop lady. I think the correct terminology is crossing guard. 

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

Hamish and Andy, Kelly Slater, Mark Bint and deceased grandpa

What is one item you cannot live without?

My drink bottle – it goes everywhere with me

People you would like to thank?

Mum, dad, Alexandra, friends, housemates and training partners.

Any further comments

I would also like to thanks my sponsors; Safe and Healthy, Dolphin Surfcraft, Meek Paddles, Surf Life Physio, Nuun active hydration, Martin and Pleasence

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