Coral Darbishire
| Type: | Player/Athlete |
|---|---|
| Location: | Australia |
| Social: |
Q & A
Greatest sporting achievement: Being the first woman to ever Represent Australian in C1 (Canadian canoe, one person) at a World flat water Sprint Championship.
What is Canadian canoeing and how did you become involved in the sport? Canadian canoeing Sprint canoes are paddled while kneeling on one knee (a person paddling on the right would kneel on their right knee), and the paddler never switches sides; this leads to constant j-stroking in a C-1.
I became involved in Canadian canoeing after my now coach (Peter Petho) bumped into a good friend of mine, Lisa Curry, one morning at Breakfast. He asked Lisa if she knew anyone that would like to give the sport a go and possibly represent Australia at an international level, she put my name forward. I personally didn’t know what the sport was when I was first asked to give it a go, I actually googled videos just so that I had an understanding. 4 months down the track, I am a dual National title holder and about to represent Australia at the 2011 World Sprint Championships in Szeged/Hungary.
Who is your sporting heroine? I don’t have one idol as I have never been one to look at one person and idolize them. I believe there are many women at the top of their game that all have something to give, and that I can learn and benefit from.
How many hours per week to you train/exercise? 15-20 hrs a week (on water and gym/cardio training)
What kind of diet or nutrition plan are you on? I eat as healthy as I can, with lots of fruit and veggies and lean meats. I always make sure to treat myself when I feel the urge.
What do you love about your sport? I love canoeing because this sport is so challenging. Balancing in a very narrow canoe with one leg behind and the other in front is challenging in itself – add my height (185cm) and it becomes a lot more difficult.
If you could change something about your sport, what would it be? That more Australian women gave it a go and that there was more awareness of this sport in Australia.
What motivates you? Achieving the goals I set for myself and knowing there are a lot of people out there that cannot, for one reason or another, do what I do.
Do you have a profession outside of your sport? I work in Sales for Stockland Residential.
Three words that describe you: Passionate, motivated and honest
If I wanted to play your sport, what advice would you give me? Give it a go, what have you got to lose? You may get wet at first… a lot, but that’s all a part of having fun. Don’t worry, going straight will come with time.
Coral Darbishire Supports Sport for Women Day
"I support Sport for Women Day because I believe all women should be recognised for their achievements and abilities, and more focus should be placed on women’s health and well-being.
"Women in sport should be seen on an equal playing field as men in sport."