Census 2011: ‘Questions 61: In the next 2 weeks will you be representing Australia at an international event?’
Well as a matter of fact I am. As are forty other Australians competing in the Beach World Championships in Lignano Sabbiardoro (near Venice) Italy this Sunday.
Towards the end of last year there was a request sent to Australian Ultimate Frisbee players for expressions to compete at the Beach World Championships in Italy in the middle of 2011. Since then three squads have been selected and rigours training has insured. The three teams are now on route to Italy where competition starts on Monday August 22.
I have been selected in the Men’s team, nicknamed the Saltwater Crocodiles and I will be attempting to take you readers on for the journey.
Representing Australia sounds very cool and well, it is. Although I have not put the uniform yet this ideal was what first encouraged me to sign up for the team. This dream of wearing the green and gold has never been far from my mind it has driven me to get fitter and stronger, forced me to go the gym on weekends and it’s been there when I’m having boring meals all in the name of getting stronger, faster and generally better.
Early in the campaign I was training for the Australian Ultimate Championship, held in Brisbane in April 2011, was much easier than after these championships. The motivation to train three times a week with 30 odd other blokes were motivation in its self. However, as the traditional Australian season finished the personal work began and it was hard. As a lot of other players were relaxing and taking some time off those in the Australian Teams had to find the motivation and time to continue training.
Then open squad has been attempting to train 3 nights a week. Because we are from around Australia and all have other commitments this often meant finding the time and the personal motivation for individual training. It is very hard to convince yourself to do and extra leg set or sprint session but one had to find that drive to punch it out.
This commitment to training has paid off, so far. At the last training camp the open team really came together and showed how well we can play as a unit. It is great to get reward for all those hours at the gym or running up that last sand dune. This feeling has cost me; I have been in trouble with my misses on more than one occasion for having to go to training, I have had to forgo the couple of beers after a long day to the office, the physio trips not to mention the mounting monetary cost of the campaign.
I guess what I am getting at is that although I along with 39 others that are representing Australia at a sport that many describe as a game and that ‘it’s not really’ playing for Australia. I have to say that in a couple of days I will be suiting up in the green and gold, embroider with the Coat of Arms for which I have made a lot of sacrifices for and I will wear it with pride. So come back to this blog to find out more about how our Championships are progressing.
To learn more about Ultimate Frisbee in Australia visit here: www.afda.com and go here to know more about The World Beach Championships www.wcbu2011.org .
I will end with a question; if you could represent Australia at an unknown sport or activity what would it be and how would you train?
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