Tuesday 25 August 2009

Chat with an Olympic Gold Medalist

Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to take photos at an amazing personal development seminar. The speaker was Kurek Ashley. There were around 300 participants and the energy seemed enough for 3000. I love being able to capture the emotions at events like these. You see the whole gamut from fear, disgust, and anger to exhilaration, pure joy and happiness and the best of all self-love.

Kurek himself is such an inspiring beautiful person with a gift that he generously share with everyone he can. One person that he has shared his knowledge and skills with is Natalie Cook, Olympic gold medalist. She and her partner won gold at the Sydney Olympics in Beach Volleyball in one of the most memorable highlights against the Brazillians. Now we were blessed with her presence at the seminar and I was priviledged enough to be able to sit and have a chat with her.

The first thing that I noticed is how down to earth she is, very open and approachable. She also has this aura of confidence and happiness that just glows out of her. Her story of the lead up to the 2000 Olympics is truly inspirational - one of great determination, of going the extra mile (or two). What moved me the most was her willingness to share her glory with others and use her experiences for the benefit of others. The true size of her heart was evident as she played on the world stage but also as she held the hand of a child and shared her wicked sense of humour with a group of firewalkers.

Natalie it was a pleasure to met you and thank you for sharing yourself in such an open and passionate way.


Kurek Ashley
Image by Success Event Photography


Natalie Cook and Kurek Ashley
Image by Success Event Photography
Natalie Cook
Image by Success Event Photography
Natalie Cook with young fan
Image by Success Event Photography




What we need are more people who specialise in the impossible
Theodore Roethke

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination
Tommy Lasorda

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