This is a captivating and unusual story of how it takes a village to raise an #athlete. For Jaime Fernandez — or Hamma as he’s affectionately known — three-time Olympian and silver medallist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the men’s eight and currently the Deputy Performance Director at Rowing Australia — it wasn’t only his parents who played an influential role in his stellar #sporting career. You’ll hear about the many others who turned this “rough, bush kid” into a rowing champion, who loved the sport from his very first stroke. How a green and gold long-sleeve shirt, along with running away from buffaloes (and crocodiles!), helped shape Jaime’s sporting career — confirming talent development isn’t linear. There are many ways to take up a sport and many pathways to reach the pinnacle. With no grand plan to become an Olympian, it was little things along the way, Jaime’s give-it-a-go attitude, and a childhood growing up in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory that propelled this “battler” to his representative debut at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Loved this episode. Some wonderful stories and wise parting words.
Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment, Tamara! How great are Jaime’s stories! He certainly has an interesting background and we can all learn from his wise words. Tiffany 🙂
I loved that interview..especially his advice to parents..
Thank you for listening! What a cool story and such balanced, helpful advice. Tiffany
This was the most fascinating storytelling session Tiffany, John & Jaime. I was hooked from go to whoa & could have listened to Jaime’s experiences, wisdom & humility all day. What a brilliant role model & advocate he is, not to mention athlete & father.
Thank you for your positive and thoughtful comment, Suzie! Jaime certainly has some fascinating stories to tell, and the way he tells them is… totally captivating! Tiffany x