Anna Flanagan

Details

Category: Hockey

How did you become involved your sport?

My parents and sister played hockey, and I was coached by my dad from the age of 10 up until I was 18 years old. They have been a huge influence in my sport and are still involved in hockey back in Canberra.

Who is your sporting hero?

My sporting hero is Cathy Freeman, who I saw win gold at the Sydney Olympics, Roger Federer for the way he has dominated his sport, and Heath Mckay who was squash world champion for 6 years, played hockey and tennis for her country and  is one of the greatest female sportspeople Australia has seen.

Age you started in your sport?

5 years old

Age, Weight and Height?

19yrs, 67kg and 180cm

Accreditations/Certificates/Degrees?

final year of University studying journalism, Certificate 3 in fitness

What is the reason you continue to play your sport today/motivation?

I love competing, winning, and sharing success with a team. I continue to play because I want to win gold medals and be the best I can, in the best team there is!

What is your current club?

Wesley South Perth Hockey Club

People that have inspired you not only in sport but in life aswell?

My parents- dad played for Australia as a junior before suffering a serious eye injury, and my mother who is is apart of the Sports Commission attracting more kids into sports. They have both showed me how important sport can be to bring people together, stay fit and healthy, and most importantly really enjoyable.

Great experiences that happened in your life?

Year 9 camp- 10 days in the bush, no showers, toilets or civilisation.
Graduating from Radford College in Canberra
Every moment played for Australia

Your Interests and Hobbies outside of your sport?

I love writing and the news! I keep a blog on my website (www.annaflanagan.com.au) to practice my writing and hopefully one day be a journalist or work in the Australian media industry and at the same time raise the profile of womens sport. I am interested in almost anything with current affairs and learning about people.

One tip or quote which continues to inspire you?

"Live in the moment"

Family Background and current family?

I have one older sister and together with my parents we all play hockey. My sister studied international relations and did her honours at university in Canberra, she is currently living in Palestine.

Happiest memory?

Winning U15s nationals with ACT against NSW 1-0 is still one of my best memories because we were the underdog!

Who did you grow up idolizing?

Cathy Freeman, Katrina Powell, lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer

How has playing your sport changed your life?

Playing sport has allowed me to meet new people, make lifelong friends, and travel the world.

What is the greatest advice you can pass onto young players?

Believe in yourself, work hard, and most of all enjoy yourself and the challenge!

Training Background(sports, etc)?

I did little athletics and went to 5 nationals plus a pacific school games before quitting at age 15. I also played tennis until I was 16, and went to nationals in primary school. I tried basketball and oztag more socially, but I love winning and competing so was never really suited to social sport!

Favourite Foods/Type of diet you follow?

I love all seafood and breakfast is my favourite meal of the day- scrambled eggs with mushrooms. Try eat a healthy diet and steer clear from fast foods. We have also had an emphasis on protein over the past year as we aim to become bigger, faster and stronger.

Favourite Bodypart to Train plus training spilt(training schedule + fav session)

I like training everything except hate doing squats! Although I do not mind the fitness aspect of hockey, nothing beats team competitive games!

Describe a typical day?

Usually gym in the morning, off to uni then training in the afternoon that generally has some conditioning at the end. In Olympic year maybe two trainings and gym and the other time used for recovery and rest as we are training full time.

Worst injury you have suffered?

I broke my finger at the start of 2011 playing Argentina and had to get a plate and 6 screws put into it. I was out of action for 3 months.

Sporting/Club History and positions played?

I started minkey in Canberra playing for United Hockey Club and as I moved through juniors I played for Central. At 14 I started seniors for Australian National University until I was 18 and moved to Perth. I was then drafted into Wesley South Perth hockey club. I have played anywhere from midfield/ centrehalf and later on defense.

Greatest sporting moment you have had thus far? Acheivement to this point?

Commonwealth Games Gold medal in Dehli

Who has been your greatest rival on the field?

So far New Zealand

What is your favourite movie?

Happy Gilmore

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Never give up

How do you deal with temptation?

Remind myself where I want to be and what it means to me

What is your favourite music/band/song?

I like all music I can dance to!

What is your biggest fear?

the unknown

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

Never giving up as well as self belief… I think if you believe in yourself and do everything you can to get there, you will ultimately make it.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

Many things… I try to learn from mistakes and face my fears so when I may be looking failure in the face i have a plan to deal with it, or at least know where to go from there. However, I still have a lot more resilience to build up and know this will come from failure and mistakes in the future. Preparation is key.

What inspired you to succeed?

Being involved in sport from such a young age and having a family that loves all sport, i have seen many amazing feats by great athletes and it is something I want to experience myself.

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

Represent my country at an Olympic games… win 4 grand slams… maybe be rich and famous!

Typical game day routine?

healthy breakfast, followed by a walk or stretch, pre game meeting and scouting, listen to pump up tunes on the way to the ground, go over all goals in the change rooms, warm up and play, followed by ice baths, recovery nutrition and sleep!

What is the ultimate prize for you in your sport and why?

An Olympic Gold medal is the ultimate glory in hockey because it is the main event we work towards. Hockey in Australia has a good history when it comes to Olympic Games and it is what every hockey player at that level dreams of achieving.

Your Future Goals in your sport , what are goals after you have finished playing?

I want a long career in international hockey and be able to go to a number of Olympic Games, after I finish playing i hope to take up a career as a journalist.

What's the one thing about you few people know?

I like sewing...

What one item can you not live without?

My phone… living away from home its my lifeline to my family and friends!

People you would like to thank?

My family, school friends, all my teachers and coaches, I can not express how appreciative, grateful and lucky I feel for having these people support me and inspire me to do what i love.

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