Athlete in Focus: Georgia Wilson

WAIS is home to hundreds of athletes all hailing from different walks of life. This month we catch up with Hockeyroo Georgia Wilson to gain an insight into her sporting journey.

Sport: Field Hockey

When did you first start participating in your sport?

I first started playing when I was 4-years-old. I lived up in the hills where there were only three sports to choose from; soccer, hockey or netball. A lot of my school friends played so I wanted to join in. Initially I absolutely hated it, storming off to the canteen during my first game after dire attempts to score a goal.

What is your favourite thing about your sport?

I love the challenge. I am extremely passionate about being the best athlete and best person I can be and my sport allows me to constantly work towards improvement in both of these areas. I also love being able to showcase my hard work and efforts, with my good performances creating a hunger to invest more into my sport.

What is your biggest sporting achievement to date?

Debuting for the Hockeyroos mid-June this year has definitely been my greatest sporting achievement. It was such a special moment, debuting in a foreign country in front of 4000 people watching, one of which included my mum who made the trip to Holland to be there and watch. My success is her success so it was a very touching match. It was probably the first time in my sporting career where I wasn’t focused on performing well but just embracing the opportunity I had worked so hard for.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

My ultimate sporting goal is to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and win a gold medal for my country. I know with dedication and discipline this is a goal that is largely within reach as long as the choices I make over the next three years are the right ones for my sporting career.

What do you do when not in athlete mode?

I currently study part time as well as work part time. Education is the foundation of life and I have made a commitment to myself to not fall behind as a person whilst I am representing Australia. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Marketing with my completion date set for the end of 2018. I also run the marketing solely for Theo&Co. Pizzeria which is a world-award winning pizza shop. The great thing about my job is that it allows me to still work whilst travelling internationally and interstate. My colleagues and employers are also extremely supportive of my sporting endeavors which means a lot.

What is your biggest non-sporting achievement to date?

The practice of meditation is possibly my biggest non-sporting achievement. I endured a period of time where I struggled with my mental health and the perceived pressures of performing well in my sport. I knew that I needed to take action and I have worked hard to meditate daily which has led to me discovering I am completely in control of the life I want to live.

Do you have any other hobbies outside of your sport and work?

I absolutely love cooking and yoga. I have travelled to Bali alone and participated in yoga practices as well as cooking classes. Being an athlete is difficult when trying to meet nutritional requirements and often athletes diets can become quite regimented and boring. I love experimenting with new flavours and fresh ingredients, currently creating raw desserts often in attempts to satisfy my sweet tooth.

What does your weekly schedule look like?

	MON.	TUES.	WED.	THURS.	FRIDAY	SAT.	SUN.
MORNING	Individual Walk 9-9:30 Meditate 11-12	Study and Uni 11-12 Meditate 12-1	Rest Day	Group Skills Session 6:45-9 Recovery 9-9:30	Group Skills Session 7-9 Gym 9-10 Individual Skills Session 10-11:30	Walk	Rest Day
AFTERNOON	Individual Skills Training 3-4 Team Meeting 4-5	Group Skills Session 2-4 Gym 4-5 Recovery 5-5:30	Meditate 11-12 Walk with my Best Friend 3-4	Yoga 9:30-11	Meditate 1-2	Club Game 2-5	Study
EVENING	Group Skills Session 5-7 Recovery 7-7:30	Photography at Work 6-7:30	Cook Dinner for the Family		Go out for Dinner to Somewhere New	Study	Meal Prep. for the Week Ahead

What is an interesting fact about you that not many people know?

I currently live with another family in Cottesloe but will be moving back in with my own in September once my family moves closer to training.