Gday Warriors,
One of the reasons I love doing what I do; is I love people… and I love giving back.
There’s not much I enjoy more than seeing the look on people’s faces after a really tough training session. When they walk away tired; exhausted; but with a real sense of accomplishment.
Now, some years ago, I was introduced to Layne Beachley by Wendy Botha with the words “Rob, this is Australia’s next World Champ”. A pretty lofty introduction from the then current and 4x World Surfing Champ – but I doubt even Wendy could have realised how profound that statement would turn out to be! When Layne started training with me, she worked out for 90mins every morning; she held down two jobs; found time to surf and not ONCE; was there one word of complaint. Layne didn’t have much back then. But more than so many, she had a talent; some goals; and most importantly a dream. In order to achieve that dream, she had to be committed; she had to be dedicated and sacrifice endlessly. She knows what it’s like to be on struggle street.
Seven World Titles later and now standing at the top of her Mountain, Layne is now turning around, bending down and sticking out her hand. Reaching out to help other girls achieve in their own endeavours & goals through her Aim For The Stars Foundation. Not content with admiring the view from the top by herself, she’s standing here saying “Hey, the view up here’s pretty amazing…let me give you hand & come check it out.”
With all that Layne has accomplished in life, she can still find; or rather make the time to reach out and help others. I often use an expression…
”If I can walk with kings, yet keep the common touch” ( *)
Layne is one such person who walks with kings yet maintains the common touch… giving to others less fortunate than herself.
Sure, I admire the seven World Titles (it’s pretty hard not to!), but I admire more the fact that she is giving back now that she’s at the top of the pile.
Do I see a clone of myself? Yeah, I guess do. And maybe somewhere along the line, she’s seen the look of satisfaction I receive at the end of a tough day when people who aren’t as physically fortunate, can walk away with their own World Title.
NB:
Wendy Botha – 4x World Surfing Champion (1987, 89, 91, 92).
Layne Beachley – 7x World Surfing Champion (1998, 99, 2000, 01, 02 03 06)
Layne Beachley Aim For The Stars Foundation – www.aimforthestars.com.au
(*) From the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling.
