Sally Kehoe

Details

Category: Rowing

How did you become involved in Rowing?

I started rowing in year eight when I was a boarder at St. Margaret's A.G.S.. Having grown up in Toowoomba, a town with no river/lake/pond, the sport was foreign to me, but having tried to succeed at many other sports previously, when I started rowing and then started winning, it quickly became my sport of choice!

Who is your sporting hero?

Ayrton Senna for the way he conducted himself honestly and with integrity in the face of adversity from the sport and unfortunately the politics that follow.

Age you started in your sport?

12

Height, weight, age?

171cm, 75g, born in 1986

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

Graduated with Bachelor of Business (Business Economics) via correspondence at University of New England. Currently studying Masters of International Finance via correspondence at Deakin University.

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

The desire to achieve perfection and produce the best performance I am capable of.

What motivated you to start your sport?

I wanted to be the best at something.

What is your current business/job?

Full time athlete in the lead up to London Olympics, whilst studying online.

Who do you race for club/state?

Sydney University Women's Boat Club, but I remain a Queenslander!

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

Growing up with two older sisters who were far more superior at sport than I was, all I wanted to be was just as good as them. Unknowingly they helped me to develop my highly competitive nature and determination to be the best. Now they are two of my biggest supporters and are happy to take a back seat and watch me achieve on the world arena.

Your interests and hobbies?

To switch off from rowing/study/work, I love to cook. From elaborate recipes to creating my own pantry challenge, I really enjoy creating something from nothing - it is my artistic outlet.

Who did you idolize growing up?

Susie O'Neill was my idol growing up. She is a distant cousin of mine, so when I was five and watching the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, while I didn't really understand what the event was, when I saw Susie win Gold I remember thinking that was pretty cool and that looked like something I wanted to do also. Susie gave me my first Olympic memory.

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

I played many sports growing up. I was always inferior to my sisters, but probably one of the better girls in my class in most sports (except running sprints!). While my sisters were competing at nationals for swimming and athletics, I was often sent on 'holidays' to my Uncle's property in south-west QLD. So when I discovered rowing and soon started winning national medals - I knew I must have a touch for the sport.

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Never listen to people who tell you are not good enough and always maintain your integrity and honesty, but most importantly ensure you are always enjoying the sport - even in the tough times.

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

Rowing has provided with experiences that I will never forget. From travelling the world, working in teams under stressful circumstances to meeting unique people all over the world, I am always so grateful of the opportunities this sport has provided me with. As a full time athlete, in tough times I often think about the things I could be doing instead of sport, but at the end of the day I have been granted this talent which is so special and while my body allows me to continue to compete and I still love the sport, I will. The sport has enabled me to develop interpersonal skills that are invaluable and to know myself better also. I know my limits and love to challenge them which I think is really important for self development.

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

Rowing is a amateur sport and the pinnacle of the sport is winning an Olympic Gold Medal.

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

Dealing with the politics. Unfortunately they are ever present in the sport. When it comes to selections, the process becomes quite subjective and not always the right decisions are made for whatever reasons. When the decision is against you, it is hard to swallow, and often the toughest part is picking up the pieces and trying to make another boat to go fast.

What is your favourite movie?

Senna. The documentary of the Ayrton Senna's years of Formula One racing.

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

My immediate goal is to perform the perfect race for the women's eight at London Olympics - where this places us, we do not know that yet, but it essential for us to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Afterwards I will re-assess whether I still have the desire to continue on and look towards Rio 2016. Between now and then, I will be trying to develop my professional career in international economic development, working on building wealth in developing nations through trade.

List of results?

Gold Medal - 2012 Olympic Qualification Regatta (women's eight)

4th Place - 2011 World Championships (quad scull)

Silver Medal - 2010 World Cup (double scull)

4th place - 2009 World Championships (double scull)

Beijing Olympian - 6th place in women's eight

Silver Medal - 2006 World Championships (quad scull)

Bronze Medal - 2005 World Championships (double scull)

Silver Medal - 2004 Under 23 World Championships (single scull)

Gold Medal - 2004 Junior World Championships (single scull)

Gold Medal - 2003 Junior World Championships (double scull)

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