Strength

I've blogged previously about my 'Inspiration Board' of Inspiring Women, and the characters they possess(ed) that I inspire to.

It's no big secret, I've been bragging enough lately! that my journey's going great guns - the weights coming off, I'm running again and getting faster and stronger.

But in amongst all that success I've had some hard times - we have recently farewelled Ned Kelly's grandfather and had some not so nice personal family issues. Which leads me to contemplate a characteristic that all women have and need, Strength.

We draw on our reserves of physical & emotional strength to get us through the tough times and in the process often surprise ourselves with just how strong we are - just like my inspirational Strength role model Katrina Robertson.

Odds are on that you've never heard of her which is a pity, because like a lot of lesser known athletes, (i.e. non televised sports lol) especially women, she is a superstar who has represented Australia and has broken numerous records.

To diverge a little here.... know of the Southern Stars? Matildas? Elysse Perry - any idea which sport she plays? (I didn't until I went looking for awesome women sportstars!)

Try both representative Soccer & Cricket - freakin' superstar, and yet gets a lot less media attention that our not so inspiring men's representative sides....

But back to Katrina - as a young woman she broke both legs in a motorcycle and was told she would never walk again. Sports mad Katrina drew on her other strengths, successfuly studying psychology and opening her own private practice.

But fast forward a few years, and feeling something was missing, she went against medical advise and started training to complete in a Master's Games in discus, shot put, hammer throw and weight pentathlon.

After cleaing up in those event's Katrina took on the world of powerlifting, breaking the Australian deadlift record (202.5kg) in her first competition.

LEGEND!

Katrina has broken numerous records and has been dubbed 'the strongest woman in the world'. She's retired from the sport and these days is busy helping others find their strength in her professional psychology role.

I was lucky enough to hear her speak at an International Women's Day event a couple of years ago, and was immediately struck by her intelligence, resilience and strength. A truly inspirational woman.

Stay Strong!

Read more about Katrina here:  http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/get-active/pdf/women-girls/katrina-robertson.pdf