Athlete Profiles

Check out the recent list of athlete interviews with some of the stars of deaf sport in Australia. Stay tuned for more profiles to come:

Kelly Fong - Judo

1. How did you first find out about the Deaflympic Games?
I first found out about the Deaflympic Games when I was shopping at Casuarina Square, Darwin and I noticed some banners promoting the Melbourne Deaflympics which had already finished. I was curious as I had never heard of the games before.

2. What was your first Deaflympic Games experience like?
My first Deaflympics was nothing what I expected, in fact, I had no expectations. I was just enjoying the opportunity to compete in this special event, and I had a great time. It wasn’t just the winning and the competition, it was all about the experience – meeting people like me, and soaking up the atmosphere. It was good fun! I must say that I have met some life long friends on the Australian Team.
 
3. What made you become involved in the sport of Judo, and why?
I started judo because my brother was doing judo while I was training in gymnastics, which so happened to be next door. I liked the idea of dressing up in a white judo uniform and being competitive. As a 9 year old, I knew I was good at judo, so I kept on going.
 
4. How did you rate your performance at these Games? What were your best moments?
I rated my performance highly, as I felt I was on fire on the day, and all my years of experience enabled me to focus on the task at hand. My best moment would have to be winning the final, because I knew when I was throwing the Ukrainian, that I had won. I was elated, and was pleased that my family and supporters were there to cheer me on.

5. Which opponents did you find the most toughest competing against, and why?
I would say the Russian and the Ukrainian was the toughest, mainly because I have limited experience in fighting their style of judo. Their style is more wrestling based, for example, they preferred leg grappling and unorthodox movements.

6. How would you compare your involvement at the Deaflympic Games with many other mainstream international competitions that you were also involved with?
I don’t think you can compare the experience of the Deaflympic Games to the other mainstream international judo events. I felt the Deaflympics was special in its own right, and is right up there as one of the most memorable events I have been lucky to experience. Although, I have competed in many international events, I wished I had more experience with judo at the Deaflympics.

7. What are your goals for the next four years?
My goals are a little hazy at the moment. I have been retired from mainstream competition since missing out on getting into the Beijing Olympic Games. Since then, I have been coaching seniors and training simultaneously (as I like to keep fit) at my judo club, Marrara Judo Club. This has enabled me to keep my form. As for the next four years, this is still undecided. 

Kym Daley - Cricket

1. When did you first start playing Cricket?
I started in competition cricket at age of 9 years old, my passion really started in the backyard with taped up tennis balls around 5 yrs old.
 
2. Who are your role models and why?
Dennis Lillee - loved his aggressive and determination to achieve in attacking any batsmen from around the world with his classy line of fast bowling and bagging so many wickets. I used to watch him on T.V in my youth years, watching him running in to bowl while he wore his unbuttoned shirt, headband, macho image of hairy chest, long moustache and gold chain necklace along with aggressive facial expressions! He is also a great mentor I have ever connected with to understand any bowlers mentally who provided different techniques. He allowed you to adapt your own techniques without forcing you to change too much from your own natural abilities. He is excellent with youth development as a fast bowler.
John Webb - his sharing of experience by being involved successfully with Deaf Cricket Australia. He also had lot of knowledge with understanding in any/different levels of any cricketing as he would mentor any players to develop their understanding and skills with their own standard. I was able to adjust myself with valuable understanding with my time being in Deaf Cricket and Sydney grade cricket. It also gave me a better understanding as a player as well as to study my own performance on all levels.
 
3. How do you manage to communicate with your Coach and Team mates to ensure you do not miss out on game plans and tactics prior to your matches?
I was really fortunate that I have coaches in past and present with Junior, Grade and NSWIS cricket levels that understood and gave time to spare a moment to repeat the plans and tactics before I head out to do my job. As a fast bowler, it can be heavy load in the plans so they ensure I am aware of the plans to ensure I help succeed in our match. Again I was really fortunate to have these people believing in me and my performance which lead me to step in right direction.
When being selected in higher level such as State Cricket, I often do misunderstand what is going on because many teams and clubs are not being informed of players like myself. At times, when I have missed a lot I still feel determined to find a way, even though it can be stressful.

Players and Coaches in State cricket teams do well with one and one communication however not in group discussion. Group discussion were happened quite often at training, meetings and techniques programs. I surely do wished I had full time sign Language interpreter with every meetings to ensure that I participated more with understanding and feeling equal with everyone else in the squad. This would have saved my time in asking my team mate, coach or captain after the meetings for clarification.

Being part of the DCA team, we all were never left out on any discussion or announcements from Coach, Captain or officials because we all could sign and communication with each other which was excellent due to officials being deaf or even a hearing person who could sign well. I always felt comfortable and clearly understood everything that went on.

4. What are your favourite moments in your Cricket career?

• Winning the 3x P.G’s Cup (under 21s) at Grade cricket.
• Winning the recent 20/20 final match at SCG vs Sydney (Balmain) cricket club.
• Getting my first 5 wicket haul in my first year in 1st grade in Sydney grade competition vs Manly (including my prize wickets getting Michael Bevan, Shawn Bradstreet and Matthew Phelps out).
• Gaining my Contract with NSW Blues and being part of the squad and matches.
• Winning the 2006 Webby’s cup in Adelaide and being part with excellent team who works hard and a great team that worked together the whole tournament.
• Representing for Australia Deaf Cricket and touring. The boys always achieve great records as well having the best time together with enjoyment and laughter in our free times.

5. What are your goals for the next five years?
The next five years goals would be:

• Aiming to re-contract again with NSW Blues (Speedblitz) and step up for further opportunity with Australia team.
• Winning and to return back the next Deaf World Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2010/2011.
• Continue playing for Northern District cricket club and getting more then 300 first grade wickets.
• Become involved more with my grade club and possible with DCA in coaching and youth developments of fast bowling.
• Being part of the achievement with the development of Deaf Cricket’s future being supported by Cricket Australia and Deaf Cricket Australia.