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We’re celebrating here at The Perfect 10 with our 50th episode. A huge thank you to all our listeners for being part of this journey.

Join us as we catch up with Phil Clayton, a titan of the Uncle Tobys Ironman Series, with 11 career wins and four unforgettable victories at Portsea in Victoria.

From tackling mountainous surf, appearing on Baywatch, to coaching at the highest levels of sport, Phil shares the key moments that defined his career. 

We explore his seamless transition from world ironman champion to coaching phenomenon, where he played a pivotal role in guiding Great Britain’s Alex Yee to Olympic gold in the Men’s Triathlon.

Phil shares his insights from the Paris Games and discusses how his thriving business is helping shape the next generation of champions. This conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

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Get ready to dive deep into the journey of a true champion. Meet Dylan Littlehales, a 24-year-old para-kayaker who is about to become a three-time Paralympian at the Paris 2024 Games. Despite being born with a limb deficiency and enduring over 20 surgeries since birth, Dylan’s resilience and determination have propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.

In this episode, Dylan shares the highs of winning the 2023 World Championship, his close friendship with fellow Paralympian Curtis McGrath, and the profound impact of his mother’s battle with cancer on his life, both on and off the water. As he prepares for the KL3-200 metre kayak sprint in Paris, Dylan reveals his ultimate goal: retiring with gold at the Brisbane 2032 home Games.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a man who has his sights set on the podium and beyond. No matter what happens in Paris, Dylan Littlehales is focused on a legacy that will inspire future generations.

Time Stamps

(00:30) Welcome and Paris Olympics update.

(02:00) Brief overview of the Dylan Littlehales story.

(03:12) Many thanks to our sponsor, Robson Civil Projects.

(04:50) Nicole Littlehales on the challenges Dylan faced when he was born with a limb deficiency.

(15:30) Olympic medallist Lachie Tame describes seeing Dylan at Avoca Kayak Club.

(16:18) Dylan Littlehales joins Steve in the studio. The boys talk about Central Coast Olympians Riley Fitzsimmons and Ella Beere in the K4 events.

(19:23) Training centre in Italy prior to the Paris Paralympics.

(21:30) Where it all began in his kayaking career.

(23:20) Friends with the incredible Fox family.

(26:35) Dylan’s recollections of hospital visits and up to 20 operations.

(30:02) His first Paralympics in Rio 2016

(32:02) Forging a friendship with the legendary Curtis McGrath.

(35:29) 4th by a thousandth of a second in Tokyo.

(41:00) Winning a World Championship and coping with his Mum’s Stage Two Breast Cancer diagnosis.

(45:52) Aussie support crew in Paris.

(48:20) Bachelor of Psychological Science and doing Masters.

(49:07) The End Game in 2032.

(53:11) The Donnica Clarke Foundation – supporting athletes on the Central Coast since 2008.

(54:15) Dylan’s commentary rant.

(57:53) Wrap and many thanks to Robson Civil Projects.

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He’s virtually achieved it all in both surf lifesaving and kayaking, but there’s just one thing missing for paddling powerhouse Riley Fitzsimmons – an Olympic medal.

Inspired by his hero Lachie Tame, Fitzsimmons burst on the surf scene with Avoca Beach, and qualified for his first Olympics in Rio in 2016, finishing fourth in the K4 1000-metres.

He then claimed the World Ski title in Adelaide, as well as the prestigious Australian Single Ski crown.

In 2021, Fitzsimmons represented Australia at the Tokyo Games, coming away with a sixth place in the K4 with Tame, Jordan Wood and Murray Stewart.

After a year away from kayaking to reset and refocus, Fitzsimmons has returned better than ever. He bagged another National surf ski title, and qualified for a third Games with a new crew including surf lifesavers Pierre van der Westhuyzen, Jackson Collins and Noah Havard. The team will be strong medal contenders, following a fourth place at the World Titles in Duisburg, Germany.

As he sets his sights on Olympic glory in Paris, we delve into his extraordinary journey including his relationship with ironwoman superstar Georgia Miller, and just like his great mate Lachie Tame, he’s promised to sing “The Horses” on National TV if he wins a medal in Paris.

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“Meet Jack Cogger, whose rugby league career has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. Starting with the Newcastle Knights before a stint at the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, Jack faced a pivotal moment when he was abruptly told his services were no longer required. This setback led him to reassess his path, contemplating a shift away from professional rugby league, and focusing on his business degree.

However, fueled by ambition and a willingness to take risks, Jack ventured to the UK to join Huddersfield, where he made his mark in a thrilling Challenge Cup Final. Just when it seemed like his career might plateau, fate intervened in the form of a call from Ivan Cleary, a two-time premiership-winning coach, and Jack was on the move again, to the mighty Penrith Panthers.

His defining moment arrived on Grand Final night when, alongside half-back Nathan Cleary, Jack orchestrated the most remarkable comeback in grand final history, propelling the Panthers to victory from a 16-point deficit. Both Nathan and Ivan hailed Jack as instrumental in the team’s success.

Now, with his sights are set on leading the Newcastle Knights to their first title since 2001, Jack also aspires to contribute to player well-being and coaching. His story epitomises the power of self-belief and regardless of your circumstances to dream big.”

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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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