If you’re not a sport nut, the name Cate Campbell probably won’t ring any bells. But in a month’s time when the Rio Olympics kicks off – that’s almost certainly going to change.
The fresh faced 24-year-old has just set a world record in the pool – clocking a time of 52.06 seconds for the 100-metre freestyle event.
In the wake of the most triumphant swim of her life, Cate fronted the press, baring her grounded, happy personality – a few things hot-headed Nick Kyrgios could learn from during times he represents Australia.
She also told of her unorthodox source of her inspiration.
“One of my favourite movies growing up was Cool Runnings,” the gold medal hopeful said, referencing the film which was loosely based on the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team.
“There is a really great quote in there from the coach and it says ‘a gold medal is a wonderful thing but if you’re not enough without it you will never be enough with it’, and I think that is something I really need to take to heart.
“I’ve achieved an incredible thing and an Olympic gold medal would be the absolute pinnacle for me but I have to make sure I’m okay if that doesn’t happen.”
Coach Simon Cusack had nothing but praise for the Olympic favourite.
“To coach, not only is she a lovely human being but she puts all the trust in you,” Cusack said.
“So as long as her relationship and my relationship is rock steady her performance and her training is generally really, really good and that’s a rare thing.”
Cate is certainly a refreshing injection into the Australian sporting mix, given the on-court dummy spits Nick Kyrgios has served up (while donned in green and gold, no less) for years.
We’re excited to see what Cate can do in the pool come August 5.