I’ve wanted to be a paramedic since I was 10, long before I even picked up a paddle and dreamed of becoming an Olympian.

Although I’ve represented Australia for 16 years in paddling, including at the 2012 Olympic Games, I’ve been able to find even greater balance in my own life by working as a full-time paramedic since 2016. I work three 12-hour shifts a week, often night-shifts too, but there’s so much gratification in being able to directly help people within the community.

Being a paramedic has certainly been an eye-opener and exposed me to the number of people within the community who are seeking help with their mental health. Sometimes we’re first responders, but we’re often in direct contact too with Lifeline, who play such a valuable role.

I did consider retiring from high performance sport when I started working full-time as a paramedic.  But I wanted to stay fit and I’m competitive, so I’m pushing towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It can be a challenge juggling my time, but it actually puts me in a good headspace. I can focus 100 per cent on what I’m doing, whether that’s work or sport. That’s why I’m committed to being a Lifeline Community Custodian with the AIS.