7 top Aussie athletes share their tips for success and loving life
Being on top of your game demands discipline and the courage to dream. Here seven of Australia’s best female athletes reveal how they stay on top.
Emma McKeon, Olympic swimmer
How have you built confidence and self-belief during your sporting career?
A lot of my confidence and self-belief in my performance comes from the hard work I put in so if I know that I’ve done everything I possibly can to prepare, then I can stand behind the blocks being confident in my ability, and believe in myself to pull off what I have worked for.
If you have a sporting loss or performance below what you’d hoped to achieve, how do you put your best face forward in that scenario?
I’ve had many situations like this, or periods where my performances haven’t been what I wanted. And I definitely get disappointed or upset with it for a bit – but I think one thing that has got me to my successes are these disappointments and learning how to deal with them, and then turning them around.
I can always find something to learn and improve on through these disappointments.
You are a key member of the Cetaphil dream team, a stellar line-up of Australian female athletes. What do you admire about them?
I really admire these athletes for what they are doing in sport in general, opening up new doors for girls growing up to dream of playing in these sports.
Sport can play havoc with your skin. What, if any, issues have you had to deal with?
Chlorine has been so harsh on my skin, just drying it out all the time with the hours that I spend in it, so moisturiser has been my best friend for years and years.
My favourite Cetaphil product is the Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum – it’s gentle on my skin, while bringing moisture back into it.
Jessica Sergis, NRLW premiership player
How do you conquer any fears or nerves you might have when competing?
There are days where it can be quite daunting, especially when I’m about to begin something that is quite new to me, but I’ve learnt to use my nerves in a positive way.
I know the nerves are there and I remind myself that it is just natural and it’s my body’s own way of getting me ready to go.
What do you admire about the Cetaphil dream team?
Being surrounded by these talented, beautiful women is quite special, as is having these ladies to idolise and look up to.
I admire their dedication and passion for their respective sports – it’s amazing to see how they overcome obstacles and push themselves to be the best they can be.
It’s also inspiring to see how they use their platforms to empower and inspire others.
What is some of the best advice you could give to people regarding looking after their wellness?
Make self-care a priority; take time for yourself every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
We need to listen to what our body needs.
Our bodies are our temple – it’s our priority and we need to treat it well.
What is your favourite Cetaphil product, and why?
My favourite product is the Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash.
Being a professional athlete means that I tend to work up a sweat and take multiple showers during the day.
My skin can be quite sensitive at times, so I love how I can use this product frequently and it still feels amazing on my skin.
Bendere Oboya, Olympic 400m runner
How do you conquer any fears or nerves you might have when competing?
Music plays a huge part in my day.
When I feel any sort of emotions, either nerves or happiness, you’ll find me in the quietest part of the house listening to the same songs over and over.
There are so many iconic Australian female athletes – is there anyone who has really inspired you, and why?
Growing up it was quite hard trying to find dark-skinned women who looked just like me and were professional athletes, so I became my own inspiration.
What do you hope is the future for women’s sport in Australia?
I hope the future for women looks healthy, confident and brave.
It all starts with one woman. I see more and more women succeeding – I love to see it!
Everyone that is part of the Cetaphil dream team has inspired a handful of children in our own unique way; that’s what I admire.
The more we give to sport, the more people become inspired to do the same.
How do you look after your skin and beauty?
I try to fit in a facial here and there.
I’m not afraid to admit that I do break out, but finding things that complement your skin is so important.
I’ve added the Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion to my daily routine and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and super hydrated.
Erin Phillips, AFLW champion
How have you built confidence and self-belief during your sporting career?
Repetition and practice are very important for my confidence – the more time I spend trying to improve, the more confident I become.
I practise positive self-talk and when I make a mistake during a game, I try not to dwell on it.
What advice would you give to younger athletes to encourage them to have the confidence to face any setbacks they might encounter in their sporting careers?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and never shy away from something because you’re afraid of not succeeding.
I have never met any successful athlete who didn’t have setbacks in their career.
How do you look after your wellbeing?
I start my day with a glass of water, and eat a plant-based diet.
I truly believe that if I exercise first thing in the morning, I am better mentally during the day – I am happier, more focused, motivated and, ultimately, a better mother and wife.
What is your favourite Cetaphil product, and why?
We love the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo and Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion for our kids (twins Blake and Brooklyn, and Drew, and Londyn).
It has such a beautiful smell and they are great products for kids who, like mine, have sensitive skin.
I use the Bright Healthy Radiance range, which is also designed for sensitive skin.
Besides the sport you compete in, what else do you like to do to stay active?
I really enjoy pilates, playing golf, riding bikes with my kids and walking my two dogs.
Hayley Raso, Matildas player
How do you face the world and conquer any fears or nerves you might have when competing?
I always believe in myself and my abilities.
I try to block out the outside noise, and focus on what I do and what I am good at.
There are so many iconic Australian female athletes. Is there anyone who has really inspired you, and why?
Sam Kerr – she is our Matildas captain, leading our team and dominating world football.
Sam inspires others through her performances, and is an authentic role model who has achieved so much both on and off the pitch.
What do you hope is the future for women’s sport in Australia?
A broader sporting perspective – packed-out stadiums, more media coverage, bigger sponsors, games on prime-time television, equal pay, and greater recognition for the incredible achievements and successes of female athletes.
How do you look after your skin and beauty?
As an athlete, I keep my skin and beauty routine quite simple.
I always cleanse my face, moisturise my skin and apply light make-up before I go out for the day.
In the evenings, I like to exfoliate and use a night cream.
I love the Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser – exfoliating my face after a hard training day leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished.
Sunday Aryang, Australian netballer
How have you built confidence and self-belief during your sporting career?
I’m comfortable having nerves if I have them under control.
Proper preparation helps reduce the pressures that come with game day; it builds my confidence when I have clarity on my role and know what I am doing.
Visualisation is also something that helps during these moments – imagining myself succeeding and feeling confident helps a lot for me.
Lastly, positive self-talk in these moments makes a difference for me.
Continuing to tell myself, ‘I can do it’ while focusing on all the positives reduces the fears and nerves, and has me confident to play.
There are so many iconic Australian female athletes. Is there anyone who has really inspired you, and why?
Ash Barty. She is such an amazing athlete, but I think what inspires me the most is how her greatest strength is her values and how much it has helped her throughout her career.
Your mindset is key and when you’re on top of it, you really can achieve your goals.
What do you hope is the future for women’s sport in Australia?
I hope that women’s sport will continue to receive increased visibility and recognition.
This will provide positive role models for young girls and women.
I also hope that women’s sport will continue to be inclusive and diverse with opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds to participate and succeed.
And, lastly, that women’s sport continues to grow in popularity, with more fans and supporters attending games and events.
What is your favourite Cetaphil product, and why?
My favourite product is the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion – I love that it feels light on the skin and non-greasy.
Beth Mooney, Australian cricketer
If you have a sporting loss or performance below what you’d hoped to achieve, how do you put your best face forward?
Work harder to make sure it doesn’t happen again!
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
It’s never as bad as you think and every day is a new opportunity to write the script how you want it.
Surround yourself with the right people who offer perspective but can also hit you between the eyes with some hard truths when needed.
The Cetaphil dream team is a stellar line-up of Australian female athletes. What do you admire about them?
I admire that all these athletes are genuine role models for young girls who can grow up and see them on TV.
When we were young, we didn’t have that luxury, so it’s amazing to think now young girls won’t know any different.
It certainly hasn’t always been smooth sailing for these athletes either, but they keep persevering and evolving to be the best in their field.
What is your favourite Cetaphil product, and why?
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is my go-to product.
It helps get rid of all the sunscreen and/or dirt on my skin after a full day of cricket, and makes me feel a lot fresher afterwards!
Written by Erin Miller.
