Tom Walsh has been one of the best shot-putters in the world for the last decade so it was an honour to get him on What a Lad for this one.

Plenty of people have suggested over the years to get him on and I can see why, he isn’t just good at what he does but he’s a massive lad with an incredible mindset which has seen him win Gold Medals at the World Champs (outdoor and indoor) and the Commonwealth games while twice picking up a Bronze at the Olympics

Some parts that stood out for me were..

How he is sometimes awkwardly mistaken for the great Joe Moody.

Growing up with Dyslexia and the challenges that came with that.

His upbringing in all sports, a rugby no8, cricket wizard and shot put beast.

How he ended up in shot-put and the unique lifestyle of a shot-putter

Why he kept throwing at this years Olympics even with a torn abductor

As well as plenty of great advice for everyone!

As you’ll hear Tom Walsh is a very likeable character, who has had an incredible career to date and the best thing is that it is not over yet. Hearing the mindset that Tom has, I've got no doubt there's more success to come for this great New Zealanders.

If you enjoy this episode please give it a share!

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Everyone who has played with Brayden Mitchell will testify that he is one of the greatest lads to play the game, he was a champion team mate on and off the field, who loved a good time and could always back it up when on the pitch. Some of the stories and reflections that the man they call Scratcher has in this episode were incredible to hear. He was so honest, held back nothing and can tell a seriously good yarn!

Some bits that stood out for me in this one were...

How hard the struggle of retiring from rugby due to a neck injury was for him

His relationship with gambling throughout his career

Getting his first contract straight out of school.

Dealing with a lack of confidence in himself

His relationship with alcohol during his career and during the transition post footy

Dealing with injuries and his regret in how he attacked his rehab

Becoming the Stags captain and the pressure involved with that

And honestly some of the best behind the scene stories of a professional rugby player you will hear.

I've got so much time for Scratcher, just a champion human who played the game for enjoyment and he certainly did that! If you enjoy this episode please give it a share and let me know what stood out for you in the comments.

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Mark Nawaqanitawase has had one of the most eventful 12 months in sport! Firstly heading to the Rugby World Cup with the Wallabies before changing code to the 7’s format of the game for the Paris Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on a medal. He then changed codes again, this time to the 13 man game playing NRL for the Sydney Rooster to cap off what was an incredible 12 months.

What stood out for me in this one was..

How his Fijian heritage plays a significant role in his identity and sports career.

He emphasizes the importance of having fun while playing sports.

How his Waratahs debut in Super Rugby was a dream come true for him.

What it was like debuting for the Wallabies.

How his transition to the Aus 7s team was a rewarding challenge for him.

Why he moved to the Roosters.

Adjusting to NRL required learning new rules and strategies.

All the questions you want to know, fastest player, hardest to tackle etc!

And heaps more!

Mark is one of those players who is just a joy to watch whatever game he is playing, the way he can leap in the air, beat defenders and score tries! You’ll also learn in this episode that he is a massive lad, such a likeable character who has a huge future ahead of him.

If you enjoyed this episode let me know what stood out for you in the comments and share the episode if you can.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Nawaqanitawase

03:01 Cultural Heritage and Family Background

05:51 Early Sports Journey and Transition to Rugby

08:55 Pathway to Professional Rugby

12:02 Joining the Waratahs and Initial Experiences

14:56 Debut in Super Rugby and Family Support

18:02 Transition to the Wallabies and International Experience

25:06 Mark Nawaqanitawase's Wallabies Debut

28:12 Coaching Changes: From Dave Rennie to Eddie Jones

30:07 Experiencing the Rugby World Cup in France

33:21 Transitioning to Olympic Sevens Rugby

39:26 Signing with the Roosters: A New Chapter

51:04 Adjusting to NRL: The Challenges of Transition

52:59 Transitioning from Union to League

55:55 Mastering Aerial Skills in Rugby

57:54 Debut Excitement and Family Support

59:58 Future Aspirations and Potential Returns

01:00:59 Fan Questions and Personal Anecdotes

01:04:00 Comparing League and Union

01:08:04 Tackling Challenges in Rugby

01:10:07 Speed and Athleticism in Rugby

01:11:49 Advice for Aspiring Players

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