Competing at her first Olympic Games, Rio 2016 was an experience that Western Australian synchronized swimmer, Rose Stackpole will never forget.
After weeks of hard work and travel in the lead up to the Games, Rose was able to step up to the occasion and perform in both the duet and team events of the synchronized swimming.
Away from the pool Stackpole found time to experience the Olympics, watching other sports and athletes, whilst also finding herself a unique souvenir or two.
The New Zealand born athlete provides us with her stories for this weeks Rio Review.
How did you feel when you first found out about your Rio selection?
I was totally overwhelmed with a huge range of emotions! I was of course incredibly happy to have been selected for the team as well as duet (which was a huge surprise) but I also felt sadness for my team mates that didn’t make it.
What did the lead up to Rio entail for you?
The lead up to Rio for our team was a hectic six months of travel! For training, mostly between WAIS in Perth and the AIS in Canberra. We also travelled to Japan and Spain for competitions and Roy Hill, Uluru and Hamilton Island to spend some down time with our sponsor Mrs Rinehart.
What were your first thoughts when you reached the athlete village?
We arrived late at night and were very tired and actually went straight to bed! But waking up in the village and seeing it all in daylight was a surreal and exciting moment. My favourite part was looking around our apartment at all the artwork primary school children made for us!
What was the best thing about the athlete village?
The village is a very strange place. It’s like a little capsule separated from the rest of the world. My favourite part was the dining hall, which was like a meeting place for all athletes, it’s the best place to watch people in the world!
Did you share rooms?
Yes we shared rooms, two in each room. I shared with my duet partner, Nikita (Pablo). It was fine because we are used to sharing at every competition, training camp and any time we are away from home!
How did you feel in the lead up to your performances?
Before my first event I was so excited, I had lots of energy and not much nervousness. Before my second event I felt numb and was extremely nervous because it was the most difficult routine for us. For both team events I felt calm and excited!
Did anything differ between when you competed in the duet to the team events?
My first event in Rio was duet, it was incredible to share that special moment with Nikita who was also making her Olympic debut. We both had the same energy – a good mix of excitement and nerves! It’s easier to match your energy with just one other person. In the team I was very calm, I tried to stay calm so my team mates wouldn’t be nervous as they were walking out onto that stage for the first time. it’s always an amazing feeling pulling off an awesome swim with seven of my best friends.
For all events I was both nervous and excited. Sometimes more nervous and sometimes more excited, depending on how well prepared I felt. For all my routines I felt like I flew through them with more energy than I have ever had at any competition or training session, so it felt amazing to be able to enjoy my swims without feeling like I was dying!
How did you feel once you’d finished all your events?
I felt a little sad after we finished duet, I actually broke down in tears straight after we walked off the stage. After we finished our free team I was just happy and proud of us for our achievements as a group, we had a tough run into Rio and I think we all had a great sense of unified euphoria when we were done.
Did you get up to anything else exciting while you were in Rio?
We got the chance to watch some other sports including the Spain v Aus basketball bronze medal match which was so enjoyable even though we lost!
Did you manage to pick up any souvenirs?
At the opening ceremony there were volunteers walking around the athletes carrying umbrellas with sarongs and bikinis attached to them! Grabbed some of those!
Would you ever like to go back to Rio?
I would love to have the chance to get back to Rio, we competed right at the end of the Games so didn’t have much of a chance to explore. I’d love to revisit the city when it’s less busy and perhaps see some more of South America.
What is your favourite memory from the Games?
The opening ceremony is by far my most memorable moment. Walking out with the Australia team into that stadium was the moment I realised my dream for so long had finally come true. I didn’t think I would get as emotional as I did!
