September Athlete of the Month – Hannah Thorley

Precision Athletica is fortunate to work with some of the most talented, dedicated and inspiring athletes you could ever hope to meet. Each month our team selects a stand out performer  to feature as our Athlete of the Month. NAME: Hannah Thorley AGE: 52 SPORT: Hockey TEAMS: GNS (Gordon North Sydney) & formerly Australia O45’s SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS: Representing Australia at Over 45’s level as well as competing in the 2014 Over 50’s World Cup in Rotterdam, Holland When talent meets hard work the possibilities are endless and in our eyes none have shown that more than Hannah Thorley. Hannah is an athlete who inspires everyone at Precision Athletica and as such is a perfect recipient of our first ever Athlete of the Month award. Whilst she has worn the Green & Gold of Australia on numerous occasions, Hannah’s view on her ultimate sporting achievement might surprise you:

Being able to return to Hockey after 2 seasons out through injury would be a huge achievement for me. I’m thankful though that although it’s been tough getting back, I have 3 daughters in sport and get to enjoy watching them run around!

It was a series of injuries in recent times that prompted an introduction to Precision Athletica, so we asked Hannah how she thought we’d been able to work together as a team:

I was really loosing motivation following knee surgery (High Tibial Osteotomy) and after speaking to a strength and conditioning coach for the GWS Giants, I decided that I needed to find some health professionals who would take my sporting goals and desires seriously. It was important to find a team who could guide and encourage me – I needed someone on my side! At Precision Athletica I found professionals with the intensive and holistic approach that I was after and I feel like the staff are as invested in my goals as I am.

So what are you currently working on at Precision:

A return to running in preparation for my return (hopefully) to Hockey! So lots of crab walks and bridges which seems to be a common theme around the gym. Got to love the glute burn!! In saying that, Jason has also been giving me some Golf tips. Golf has actually helped keep me sane since I haven’t been able to chase the hockey ball around the turf…how many people can say golf has kept them sane?

Grab a coffee (or Protein Shake) and enjoy the rest of our catchup with Hannah… Q: How do you set goals? A: I don’t know to be honest, but I’m fairly single minded so I guess if I want to do something I make it a priority. Q: What is the best advice ever given to you? A: I don’t have a neat cliche in response to this but I will say that when you become a parent your life becomes secondary to your role as a parent, so I remember someone saying to me as a young mum to ‘remember to have time for yourself’. That’s really what hockey is to me – time for me. Q: Do you have a saying or motto you live your life by? A: Only to remain fit and active. I want to be a positive role model for my daughters. So many girls stop playing sport as older teenagers so I’m pleased my daughters are still involved playing hockey and soccer into their 20’s. Q: Do you have any superstitions or pre-match rituals? A: Not really but I am very fussy about choosing a match ball – it has to feel and sound right on my stick. Q: Finally, what got you started in the sport? A: I got started because of a passionate teacher in my high school, so I started playing at around 13 or 14. Apart from a few years out due to shift work and babies, I’ve played for at least 35 years! I never achieved any amazing success as a young hockey player but I have found myself in some amazing places thanks to my longevity in the sport.   We think Hannah is a star and the whole team would like to congratulate her on becoming our athlete on the month. We can’t wait to see her back on the hockey pitch soon.