What a Lad

Hamish Kerr is officially the greatest High Jumper in the world having recently won Gold at the Paris Olympics. However, what you're about to hear in this episode is an insight into the mind of the Olympic champion and you'll be amazed at how close he came to bowing out in the Qualifiers which in his mind would have meant retirement. The pressure that come on one single jump is insane and when you need to be relaxed and in flow when jumping how you handle that pressure is the difference.Some other cool parts of this episode that should out for me was..Growing up playing lot's of sports, playing on the wing in rugbyHow at the age of 11 he was arguably faster than Rieko IoaneHis journey into High Jump and why he quit after schoolAn insight in to the training schedule of an individual athleteHow important your mindset in as a world class athleteWhy he wasn't keen to settle on the split gold medalWhat made him take off to the middle of the Javelin field once he had won the goldAnd heaps more!As you'll hear Hamish is a very smart, open and honest man who gives so much gold (excuse the pun) in this episode. What he has done for High Jump and Athletics in this country has been massively and he is such a champion! If you enjoyed this episode please give it share and I will continue to bring you more great guests like Hamish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian Cullen is a legend. You only have to watch a few minutes of his highlights package to remind yourself how good he really was. The speed and agility, his ability to change direction at full pace, his deceptive strength, add on top his attacking mindset and his braveness in defence! He was a joy to watch. He's also such a champion man who prefers not doing things like this so super grateful to get him on.In this whopping 2 hour episode some parts that stood out for meHow the working the milk run growing up helped his rugbyDebuting for Horowhenua straight out of school against JonahMaking the NZ 7's sides with Titch and stories from Hong Kong and the Commonwealth gamesThe old school nature of the All Black environment he went in toI loved hearing about some of the greatest tries ever scoredHow he ended up at 13 for a RWCHis relationship with John MitchellWhy he left to Munster and his time playing over thereWhy he hated warming up And heaps heaps more.Growing up Christian Cullen was my absolute hero, he inspired me to play the game so to sit down with him and have this conversation was truely incredible. What I'm sure will stand out for you is how humble and down to earth he is, you certainly wouldn't think I'm talking to one of the greatest to ever play the game listening to this. If you enjoy this one, please give it a share and I will continue to bring you the big guest like Christian Cullen.Special mention to Paraparaumu Rugby Club for allowing me to record this episode in their Clubrooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey Laulala is one of the most likeable characters you'll meet with an inspiring story from growing up in Samoa to becoming an All Black.  Some bits that stood out for me in this one were.. What life was like growing up in Samoa with 6 siblings including All Black Nepo Laulala The pressure Casey put on him self to impress his dad and make him proud How he focused his mindset was to achieve his goals  His memories playing with and against some of the greats of the game Why he moved overseas and how he ended up at Cardiff, Munster and Racing Metro The transition in to coaching and why that wasn't for him The career change into Real Estate  And he's more classic stories. As you'll hear Casey is a very well spoken and honest man who shares some great insights and advice from his journey to the top. If you enjoyed this episode please give it and I will continue to bring you more great guest like this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross Filipo is one of the greatest lads in our game, whose journey through rugby has been nothing short of fascinating. Starting his rugby journey at 15, Ross shares his evolution from a talented but hesitant first five who could goal kick off both feet, to becoming the skilful and physical lock forward we knew him as. In this episode we explore key moments throughout his career, including:  Early Years: Ross always had the talent however he was naturally inclined to just cruise before a change of mindset saw a change in outcomes. Becoming a Pro: The challenges that came with the transition into professionalism and how a move down to the Crusaders shaped him as a person. Becoming an All Black: The pressures and challenges of international rugby and what stopped him from having more games Injuries and Comebacks: Ross opens up about significant injuries, including a neck injury and how he returned from shoulder surgery in record time. Life Abroad: His overseas adventures, from playing in France to coaching in Japan and the struggles that come with living in a foreign country without your family. Personal Growth: Ross's candid reflections on mental health, life changing decisions he has made , and how it transformed his life as a father and a coach.   As you'll hear in this one, Ross is a such a genuine human being who has plenty of wisdom and shares plenty of classic stories throughout. If you enjoy this one which I'm sure you will make sure you give it a share and I will continue to bring more great guests like this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.