Dane Bird-Smith

ABOUT

Name: Dane Bird-Smith

Age (in 2017): 23

Sport: Race Walking

Coach/s: Dave Smith (father and Olympic race walker)


RESULTS

Best international result/s: Winning a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics

Major goal for 2018: To win a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in front of a home crowd

Most memorable sporting moment: Winning a medal at the Olympics in 2016 was such an incredible experience. It was my first ever Olympic Games and had been a childhood dream to stand on the dais at this event!

Biggest challenge you have faced: The mental pressure of training on my own, day in, day out. And trying to hold everything together every day, as every moment is focused on one day that only comes around every 2 to 4 years.

What do you like most about your sport? It’s more than just an endurance event – the technical, mental and strategic demands make it so challenging.

Who/what inspires you to achieve your best in sport? I have an internal desire for competition, and always want to be challenged. I do it for the ‘fight’, regardless of the outcome.

Favourite food/drink: Donuts or Pork Roast

Favourite song/music: Dizzy Rascal – ‘Bonkers’

Favourite movie: The whole Marvel Cinematic Universe series!