Author: Perfect10

Ever wondered what it takes to bounce back from a broken leg and reclaim your place among the world’s top athletes? Meet aerial skier Abbey Willcox…

Abbey was even cast aside by the Australian team six years ago, but refused to accept defeat, instead training with the Swiss squad to further her development.

Now, four years after her first podium, Abbey has claimed her rightful place among the elite of the sport, with a top three finish at the World Cup event in Deer Valley.

Abbey talks about almost quitting, and concentrating on her career in sports marketing with the Brisbane Broncos. She also shares her desire to push the boundaries for women, and provides insight on the risks required to reach the top.

Join us for one of the best stories in Australian sport – The Perfect 10 with Abbey Willcox.

Timestamps

(00:11) Welcome to episode 46.

(00:55) Recap including Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall and Molly Picklum’s Perfect 10 at Pipeline.

(02:30) The sad passing of Men’s Marathon World record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Coach.

(04:04) Sponsor – Greg Ferguson, Operations Manager Robson Civil Projects.

(06:04) Welcome Abbey Willcox and congratulations on Deer Valley Podium.

(06:26) Overcoming challenges to climb back to the top.

(07:54) Ignoring doubts and continuing the journey.

(08:35) Waiting for scores after a superb performance.

(10:46) I’ve had everything thrown at me. Mental toughness and perseverance.

(11:57) The back lay full – what does that look like.

(12:31) Push the sport for women.

(13:26) The Numbers – speed, height and courage required to compete.

(15:14) Are you a gymnast at heart or have you always loved skiing.

(17:32) Great women in the sport. The legends who paved the way.

(19:11) Working for the Brisbane Broncos. Premiers in 1992, 93, 97, 98, 2000 and 2006.

(21:55) She’s Incredible – Nicola Olyslagers nee McDermott soaring to new records in High Jump.

(22:26) Beautiful upbringing on a Central Coast property.

(23:45) What are you reading and bingeing on if you watch TV.

(25:14) World Cup rivals and Deer Valley – the Super Bowl of skiing.

(28:29) Welcome back Greg Ferguson from sponsor Robson Civil Projects. Staff members celebrating 40 years.

(29:40) Final wrap.

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Glenn Hall’s quest to reach the World Surfing Tour is nothing short of legendary. He qualified as a 31-year-old, then after just four rounds, he suffered a serious back injury that ruled him out of his rookie season in 2013.

In a true testament to his character, he fought his way back in 2015, to pursue his dream once more, retiring after the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.

Since then, he’s transitioned into coaching, working with 2 x World Champion Tyler Wright and her older brother Owen, an Olympic medallist. Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan and Matt Wilkinson have both been a part of the ‘Micro’ stable, along with Indonesia’s Rio Waida and superstars Molly Picklum and Lakey Peterson.

Micro talks at length about Owen Wright’s incredible comeback from injury at Snapper Rocks in 2017. He shares his thoughts on some of the greats of the sport, and predicts that Picklum will not only win this year’s World Tour, but will be formidable at the Olympic Games at Teahupo’o.

As Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall continues to shape the future of surfing through his coaching journey, his legacy stands as a testament to the resilience, passion, and unwavering spirit that define the sport he loves.

Time Stamps

(00:14) Welcome and a snapshot of Glenn Hall’s career.

(02:08) Sponsors Robson Civil Projects

(03:11) Interview with Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall on his back deck at Avoca.

(03:40) The Hall Family.

(04:30) Prized possessions and memorabilia from surfing career.

(06:12) Pre-season camp at Avoca.

(07:01) What does Molly Picklum mean to the local community.

(07:54) Young Micro and a love of numerous sports.

(09:44) The first time Micro surfed.

(10:55) The AIS in Canberra.

(13:01) The legends including Tommy Carroll.

(15:02) Umina Boardriders National Champions.

(15:56) Central Coast board riding clubs.

(17:26) Micro’s professional career.

(19:01) Life on the World Tour.

(20:13) The Last Dance on tour for Micro.

(22:10) Owen Wright’s book and the legendary Mick Fanning.

(25:13) Ripping at Sunset Beach.

(26:32) Proudest moments.

(28:17) A coach is born – working with Matt Wilkinson.

(30:48) The Girl From Ipanema.

(31:29) 2 x World Champion Tyler Wright.

(33:09) Quote from Owen Wright’s outstanding autobiography.

(34:44) Snapper 2017 – it should be a Hollywood movie.

(36:44) Working with Molly Picklum and wearing numerous hats.

(39:43) Molly Picklum and the Olympics at Teahupo’o in 2024.

(40:29) Studying other coaches.

(42:13) Analysis and developing the best version of yourself in competition.

(43:37) Djokovic, Federer or Nadal?

(44:21) The future of the sport.

(45:16) The Micro stable including Californian Lakey Peterson.

(46:23) Breathwork and its benefits.

(46:44) Molly Picklum to win the World Title and what they’re focusing on.

(47:39) Micro’s best mates including 2 x NRL Premiership winner Chris Heighington, Luke Sullivan and Ace Buchan.

(49:41) Supporting the Chumpy Pullin Foundation.

(51:13) Wrap.

(51:45) Sponsors – Robson Civil Projects – check out their careers page.

(52:10) Former AFL star and now Coach Mark McVeigh coming up soon on The Perfect 10.

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Michelle Lee is an adventurer, speaker and mindset mentor who left corporate banking to pursue a life of extreme challenges. She is the first Australian woman to row any ocean solo and the first woman in the world to row the Pacific Ocean solo unassisted and without stopping. 

In 2019, she was named Australian Geographic’s Adventurer of the year – one of only five women to ever receive the accolade.

Michelle endured storms, sharks, solitude and exhaustion as she rowed for thousands of kilometres across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. She also experienced the beauty and wonder of nature, from dolphins and whales to sunsets and stars. She learned to appreciate every moment and every stroke.

Michelle has shown that anything is possible with passion, purpose and persistence. 

If you’re looking to be inspired and motivated to chase your goals, this is the episode for you.

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The first guest of 2023 is America’s Cup Legend Grant Simmer OAM.

Steve caught up with Grant at the New South Wales Etchells Championships at Gosford.

Grant triumphed with Skipper Peter Merrington and Ian McKillop following a seven-race regatta.

He shares his memories of the historic win by Australia 11, breaking the longest winning streak in sporting history.

Grant has been involved in a staggering 11 America’s Cup campaigns, and in 2013 was inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.

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