Olympic uniforms and the journeys we share

 

Marina Carrier, Australian Olympic team member for modern pentathlon and MFC's most high profile Club member, helped launch the Australian Olympic teamwear this week! The gear looks great and it's fantastic that one of our much admired members was chosen to be part of the event!

What particularly caught my attention was Marina's comment when asked how she'd got through this past year in all its complexities. Her honesty and eloquence is impressive (as is her fleche I can tell you!) as she gives an insight into what makes the Olympic journey so extraordinary yet also so relatable:

“To be honest there’s been a lot of days where I’ve really struggled with my motivation. It’s been really tough. Especially during periods of injury and when the world was particularly uncertain. But I think for me the biggest thing was having my friends and my family, my parents… to support me, and give me a bit of a boost when things are looking tough. And also just really focusing on those small things, you know, just doing your physio exercises, getting out and doing that training session and going day by day. Look to be honest standing here right now it feels incredible, and it feels worth it. And if this is a taste of what is to come in four months time then this is pretty special.”

While I can't hope to understand what it's like living through the uncertainty of a pandemic as an Olympian, I can relate to the importance of that sense of support and shared journey which Marina talks about. I know that for many of our members MFC is a part of those support structures which have helped us keep going in challenging times, and we're all right behind you Marina as you bring your best game to Tokyo!

Screenshots from the video showing Marina and other members of the Australian Olympic team during the launch