Weightlifter Tracey Lambrechs draws much of her strength from the inspiration of a world champion shot putter and a role model doctor.
Lambrechs was once a close rival of Olympic gold medallist Valerie Adams in the competitive realm of shot put, but had to find a new sport because Val was so good. The athletes are now friends, and Adams success serves as a valuable source of inspiration for Lambrechs.
Valerie sets the gold standard. She trains so hard, does everything for herself, but shes also always ready to help, the 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist says.
Lambrechs also has a unique relationship with her coach Dr Adam Storey who she classes as her best friend. They work together to achieve their goals, but will also go to rugby games together. He is her sounding board. A Doctor of Philosophy in exercise physiology, Storey is also a former competitive weightlifter: Hes a brilliant role model.
Lambrechs puts her trust in her coach to make decisions that are always in her best interests. When I lift, my coach is the tactician. Hes behind the scenes, studying all the other athletes deciding our next move.
In weightlifting, youre super reliant on your coach. Everything is very tactical. Some weightlifters will go for a big weight to start from, and will mess everyone up. The coach researches all the other lifters, and knows when people are pushing themselves too far. He tells you what to do you sometimes dont even know what youre lifting the numbers can psych you out.
They share a healthy respect for each other too. If she fails to meet Storeys expectations, Lambrech knows her coach wont get angry or rip into her. He will hold his tongue, walk away and discuss it with her later.
Lambrechs insists on sharing the bronze medal she won in the womens 75kg+ class in Glasgow with Storey; sometimes making him take it home. Its like our child, she laughs. Without Adam I wouldnt be where I am today. Im proud to say that hes my coach. Hes earned the medal as much as I have.
Its no secret that weightlifting requires massive strength, both physical and mental. Its a huge mind game, Lambrechs says. When youre doing your warm up everyone is trying to psych everyone out. People make loud noises to distract you; things like that can be really intimidating. You have to have a game-plan know your opening weights, and where to go from there.
Physically, it is a technical, demanding sport. Its tough on the entire body. Your wrists hurt a lot. You need a lot of focus if you dont concentrate you can tear ligaments or worse, she says.
And then theres the pressure. Months, even years, of training and strength-building all come down to three snatches. But that, Lambrechs says, is where you need endurance to survive the 45 minutes of intense pressure.
Lambrechs was born in South Africa, and moved to New Zealand with her family in 1999. The 30-year-old is proud to compete for New Zealand, and was overwhelmed by the honour of being the flag bearer for New Zealands first Pacific Games team in Papua New Guinea this year. After the disappointment of missing qualification for the London Olympics, Lambrechs is determined to compete at the Rio games next year.
I want to make New Zealand proud, as a thank you for all the opportunities it has given me. My coach always tells me to go out and prove to people why I deserve to be here. And thats what I intend to do.