The week that was: Summits, OLYmni and Awards Nights.

Last week, I spent some time in the amazing Brisbane 2032 offices discussing transition with fellow Olympians as part of the Australian Olympic Committee OLYmni program.

If there is one thing that sets the AOC apart from other sporting organisations, it's the OLYmni program, which helps current and retired Olympians continue to connect throughout their lives. A host of people drive the OLYmni program.  However, it would be remiss not to mention the one and only Daniel Kowalski OLY who is the connection for all Olympians current and retired.

It was a real privilege to share my thoughts on transition, given that my athletic career had plenty of twists and turns, from being uber-successful to being dropped from the Australian program to getting myself back in. It was also great to hear from other transitioned athletes such as Mitch Larkin Naomi McCarthy Andrew Trimm, and Toby Jenkins, all of whom, while they have different stories, share a powerful commonality of traits such as hard-working, persistent and resilient - all essential skills to not only thrive as an athlete but also in the world post sport and the discussion around the fact that in the ''real world'' these traits seem to be uncommon.

Libby Trickett OLY was an excellent host who asked fantastic, thought-provoking questions and is an inspiration as a mother of four who is still working out her purpose beyond sport and understanding that that is okay! There was such a diverse set of experiences and I hope those listening got something from the session.

But the highlight was the sessions with Catriona Dixon, who got us all to think about our point of difference - our stories. On reflection, for me, it was seeing myself as a ''change maker''. With so few female track sprint and track cycling coaches, I have realised that I am not only trying to be the best coach I can be for myself and my athletes but for any aspiring women out there who are trying to navigate their way through not only male-dominated sports or industries but also organisations that are resistant to change or hesitant about going about things a different way even if there is evidence to prove that a different way could be better.

Alongside the AOC OLYmni course, I also spent a few days in Fremantle in Perth, attending the Australian Institute Of Sport Summit course designed for Head Coaches. This particular edition of the course is an all-female course. I left after three days feeling reinvigorated and energised, knowing I am not alone in my pursuit to make High-Performance Sports better for all those who participate in it (athletes and staff) and that I am on the right track with how I am going about things. I am sincerely grateful to the AOC and the AIS for the support and encouragement that they are providing me at a time when I feel I am up against harsh resistance of who I am, what I stand for, and my coaching philosophy, which differs from many of my colleagues and probably most importantly to me - what I won't stand for. A particular highlight for me was listening to Dixie Marshall, who continues to pave the way for women from Australia's first female AFL commentator during the 80s (yikes!) to now sitting on some of the world's most significant boards for sport and sustainability.

I won't give away too much about the Summit course just yet, other than to say I am very much looking forward to continuing this journey with these women and the other Summit coaches. I thank, in particular, the coach facilitators, Belinda Stowell and Kylee Byrne, for their wisdom, guidance, and learning.

I rounded out my week as a nominee for the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Development coach of the year award at the awards night. It was humbling to be recognised for the efforts that I have put in at the QAS this year. Whilst I was ''up'' for the award it is not I and I alone who helped drive the program forward to where it is today. Whilst we did not win, I feel as though the program is winning anyway...and the season is about to begin.

First of all, I would like to thank Keith Flory and Nick Formosa for enabling me to enact the vision I had. I received similar support when I went to Great Britain and that trust in my vision and my abilities has allowed me to thrive and deliver the best job that I can for the athletes and the team.

Secondly, it is certainly true to say that there is no ''I'' in Team when it comes to delivering a vast program from pre categorised to Podium Potential level athletes. It's been a big challenge and without the Performance Support Team (PST) it would be impossible to deliver the vision I had. Thanks to Courtney Porter Tama Barry Chantelle du Plessis Tim Oostenbroek David Watts and the several others behind the scenes at the QAS who help to run the program. Also, thanks to fellow coaches Jordan Kerby OLY Julian Elliott and David Betts for being available when I had other commitments to the National Program.

Thirdly, and arguably most importantly to the athletes who have embraced a different way. For me whilst we have had success and are building momentum what has been most heartwarming for me is seeing the athlete who couldn't achieve training consistency hit their target of over 85%, the success of collaboration between athlete and PST in skill acquisition projects and athletes leading their own storytelling with ''who am I?'' sessions at our monthly catch ups. These are the things that help me know that we are not only winning but winning well and being athlete led - the two orgnisational goals of the AIS and the QAS.

Finally, to my partner Kevin and my family who have attempted (at times to no avail) to help me navigate this year through the many challenges that have presented - hoping for a brighter 2025.