The Price You Pay podcast: Untold Stories of Australian Athletes

I am beyond thrilled to share the launch of my new podcast, The Price You Pay.

The Price You Pay is not your typical sports podcast; it's a deep-dive into the hidden costs and barriers that young Australian athletes face in pursuit of representing their country.

We're going beyond the headlines, the statistics and the incredible athletic feats you see on the world stage… It's a journey into the personal sacrifices and financial struggles that are often kept behind closed doors. The Price You Pay highlights the real MVPs — the athletes, their families, and the unsung heroes who share their money, time and knowledge to help make their dreams happen.

This mission is profoundly personal, rooted in my own experiences. I've witnessed firsthand the financial hurdles that can stand in the way of an athlete's dreams. That's why I founded Aussie Athlete Fund; an initiative that gives a leg-up to the next generation of sports stars through fundraising, skill building and mentorship.

I hope this podcast will help to show the true value of our athletes, especially around global events like the Games.

The first three episodes of The Price You Pay are out now, beginning with my story, and the stories of two Aussie athletes and their supporters who have their sights set on Paris in 2024.

I spoke with Sarah from the Podcast Production team at Chatta-Box Media about how I funded my beach volleyball career, and why I’m so passionate about changing the game for the next generation. My parents even joined us, and I was amazed, all these years later, how well they remember the sacrifices we made as a family so that I could chase my dreams, and ultimately win gold for Australia.

You’ll also hear from the 14-year-old BMX superstar from Ipswich, Holyee-Ann Jackson, as well as her parents Angela and David, and angel investor Michael Devlin of More Estate Agents who has played a crucial role in Holyee’s success.

Rising star of sprint kayaking, Jackson Collins, joins the podcast, too, with his dad, Dan Collins, who is also an OLYmpian and knows all too well the costs of competing at the highest level, beyond just the dollar value.

I invite you to tune in, get inspired, and develop a deeper appreciation for the grit and determination driving our athletes forward.

Ready to dive in? The Price You Pay is now available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to jump straight in.

Your support means everything. I'd be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star review and a comment on your favourite podcast platform. This will help us build momentum, keep the podcast rolling, and share these vital stories with an even wider audience.

Thank you for being part of this mission to continue making a difference in the lives of our athletes, and giving them their best chance at success.