Louise Galvin: Learning from the best to become the best

HAVING spent 12 days living and training at the Sydney Academy of Sport, it is hard not to be impressed by the Australian attitude to sport.

Located on the Northern beaches, the academy is surrounded by natural bushland and magnificent views of Narrabeen Lake and world class sports training grounds and facilities. It provides a range of sports facilities for everyone from schoolkids to corporate groups to professional sports teams. In Ireland, a facility such as this would be a rarity — here it seems like a common occurrence in the main regions and cities.

Walking around Sydney, it is evident how much emphasis is put on being fit and active. Footpaths are a conveyor belt of runners of equal gender and all ages. I would say all sizes too, but it has struck me how few overweight people there are here compared to other first world countries, including Ireland. Of course the weather has a significant part to play in this too, encouraging more outdoor activity after work and school. But it’s obvious that it’s the norm over here to keep fit, whether in a non-competitive or competitive environment. The rule, rather than the exception.