Womenz  Why did you choose windsurfing, as opposed to other forms of sailing; or another sport altogether; or dancing, which you gave up to devote yourself to windsurfing?

Barbara  Windsurfing was the cheapest and the most fun, and windsurfing had the most opportunities to travel overseas―I was never going to be the best at dancing and I had a natural talent for sailing.

Womenz  What has been the contribution of your family to your amazing successes over the years?

Barbara  They have always been into sailing; in the beginning, obviously, driving us to all the competitions; then always helping make decisions on what is the best path to follow―they were always encouraging, never pushy, but always supportive―now my mum spends a lot of time baby sitting.

Womenz  You clearly have a very full life as a wife, mother, member of various IOC bodies, guest speaker, patron of several organisations, motivational worker with teenagers, organiser and fundraiser for competing in multiple regattas, as well as your Olympic campaign. How do you keep it all going and do you still manage to do all the training you need to do?

Barbara  Something always suffers so I have to prioritise. My family’s happiness always comes first―if the girls are not happy I have to ask why, then sort out the problem by slowing down. I do take too much on and we have family meltdowns occasionally but my husband is my coach so he balances this out with being ‘Mr Mum’. I am lucky that the training is the easy part as I know every day what I have to achieve. The best time for me to train is while I am overseas as I have no other commitments apart from training and family. This is why we spend a lot of time away.

Womenz  You have your family with you, it seems as much as possible, when you compete overseas. What sacrifices do you and your family make and what benefits do you reap as a family from being involved in sport at the highest level?

Barbara  The best part about travelling together is we get to spend quality time together. The teacher gives me work to do with Samantha while she is away from school, which I love doing with her. She is a great pupil. I would not do this sport if I couldn’t have my family with me because being a mother is the most important thing, but being an athlete makes me a better mother and person. The children also get to see the world and grow from that and they have their mum and dad with them 24/7.

Womenz  What special challenges and benefits are there in having a husband who is also your coach (plus training partner, weather analyst, tactician and gear expert)?

Barbara  Benefits: we know each other so well so we work in sync very well. Bad points: hard to change hats from being in a work environment to being husband and wife, then mum and dad.

Womenz  If one of your children has the desire and ability to participate in a sport at a high level and/or wants to become a professional sportsperson, what advice will you give her?

Barbara  You have to give it 100%; it’s very hard to try and do anything else; set some target dates and results and if you don't achieve them move on!! Enjoyment is a big factor but it can’t be easy either.

Womenz  What do you think participating in sport does to build character in a person?

Barbara  Motivation, determination, competitive spirit, time management, goal setting, fun, travel, money management, speaking skills, fitness, health, body awareness.

Womenz  How do you deal with nerves? What do you say to yourself in the hours leading up to a big race and while you're actually competing?

Barbara  Breathing and letting go!!!

Login next week for Part 2 of this interview where Barbara talks about her long career and what it’s like to compete at the highest levels of sport.

To follow Barbara’s progress towards the World Championships and the Olympics go to http://www.barbarakendall.com 

END OF PART ONE