FOLLOW BARBARA - @BARBSKENDALL
It was such an honour to deliver the opening keynote at HPSNZ’s 2024 Crossroads event, post-Paris! π€β¨
Standing in front of these incredible athletes π, I’ll admit I was nervous—but what an audience they were! π
I had the pleasure of sharing stories, wisdom, and practical tools from my journey through 9 Olympic Cycles—from competing as an athlete in Barcelona 1992, to being a VP of Surfing in Paris 2024. That’s 34 years of navigating crossroads and evolving. π³
π‘ Who are you? And what do you want?β¨β¨ If it’s light, it’s right.β¨π Reflect, Learn, EVOLVE.β¨π± Work your IKIGAI.
#SpeakingFromExperienceβ¨#SharingWisdomβ¨#LifeIsFullOfCrossroads
πΈ @thamillphotosβ¨π @hpsportnz
Had the privilege of speaking to the front-line team at Barfoot and Thompson who are a partner of the NZ Olympic Committee.
“Success is better together”
In this talk I covered the themes of resilience and endurance and how they contribute to success.
One of the reasons the NZ Olympic team is successful because of their shared culture and sense of belonging to their team. Their Manaakitanga (shared culture) is all about the pride of being a New Zealander and feeling a deep connection to your roots, which gives you wings to fly.
The pillars of my performance PATH (planning, attitude, team, and health) in this talk could help your team reach gold!
Please reach out for any enquiries.
#successisbettertogether #barfootandthompson #thenzteam #teamwork #belonging #manaakitanga #leadership #workplaceculture
17 Olympic Games Experiences and an Olympian for Life Award.
32 years of dedication to the Olympic Movement.
Being honoured as an “Olympian for Life” by the World Olympians Association is humbling and awesome.
It has been a privilege to dedicate the last 20 years to advocating and empowering athletes around the globe.
Summer Olympics:
* Athlete: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008
* Windsurfing Coach: 2012
* IOC Member: 2016
* International Surfing VP: 2024
Winter Olympics:
* IOC Member: 2006, 2014
* IOC Athletes Commission Member: 2010
Youth Olympics:
* Athlete Role Model: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2020
* NZ Chef de Mission: 2018
What an incredible 3 weeks of Olympic magic! Paris 2024, take a bow.
Highlights:
* Experiencing the raw power of Teahupo’o in Tahiti—unforgettable.
* A massive shoutout to the 45,000 Volunteers. Your passion and dedication made these Games possible.
* The fans, the facilities, the festivities—it was a sensory overload of amazingness.
And to all the Kiwis—All the athletes and those working tirelessly behind the scenes—you’ve made Aotearoa proud.
10 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze. EPIC.β¨How proud are we?!
Feeling so grateful to have met so many amazing humans these last weeks doing incredible things in our communities. π
Had the privilege to speak on Performance PATH for the Porirua Chamber of Commerce and share valuable insights.
Engaged in an inspiring korero with Sport Manawatu, who do a fabulous job of making sport happen across their region. π
Connected with Fielding High School staff and students, and had the honor of being the MC and host at the Manawatu Legends induction into the Sports Hall of Fame. π€
Conducted a workshop on getting in the zone with the amazing Tania Dalton scholarship girls. πͺ
Celebrated 21 years of the Inside Downs Education Trust, an incredible milestone! π
A huge thanks to everyone who rallied around to organize and host me, especially the amazing and generous Angela and John Turkington. π
Shoutout to all the passionate people at:
* Sport Manawatu
* Wellington Chamber of Commerce
* Halo Sport
* Tania Dalton Foundation
* Upside Downs Education Trust
#Community #Gratitude #Inspiration #PerformancePATH #SportManawatu #TaniaDaltonFoundation #UpsideDownsEducationTrust #ManawatuLegends #Korero #Workshop #Celebration #ThankYou. Time for a cup of tea and a lie down now π
My big bruvvvver has completed 60 laps around the sun. Bruce has gotta be the best Peter Pan brother a sister could ever want for. The adventures the laughs the chaos the success the hustles the drama the tears but mostly the love for you being you. What a journey. How lucky are we. I just can’t stop smiling. π©·π§‘π₯°π₯³π
One of the reasons I was so successful at Olympic Games was because coach Grant Beck was always making me laugh and still is today.
He is the best at - Keeping it real. Keeping it simple.
Grant coached NZ windsurfers to 7 Olympic medals. Today I was giving a cheer to this volunteer who is still helping the next generation πππ
1984 - Bruce Kendall - π₯
1988 - Bruce Kendall - π₯
1992 - Barbara Kendall π₯
1996 - Barbara Kendall π₯
2000 - Barbara Kendall π₯
- Aaron Macintosh π₯
2008 - Tom Ashleyπ₯
The ole duck did okay at the Wing foiling nationals, entered as a grandmaster (how did that happen) π₯Ή looking pretty dishevelled at the end of 4 hours on the water and 6 races I could hardly walk.π€£ AND......
Became the national women’s champ π plus women’s masters π and grandmasters π champ π.
6th overall in the masters fleet π€£ Mr Duck got 2nd in the grandmasters. π₯
Huge thanks to my local @sailmanly love being a member of this club you all know who you are, you do an AMAZING job.
@wingfoilnzl @samthomnz for organising another great nationals.
PLUS the 80+ other frothers for fronting up and giving racing a crack cause it ain't easy and the competition is HOT at the top of the fleet.
We need more women, hurry back and come and thrash the ole duck again.
@aimster.brighty143 and @stella_bilger.
A major injury 8 months before Barcelona Olympics 1992 changed my mindset and attitude which was key in winning π₯and many other successes for the next 34 years and counting π€©π π π¦
@kimberleedowns thanks for allowing me to tell some of my stories twas fun.
#thinkfeelbehave
#everythinghappensforareason
#reflectionisgoodforthesoul. Sky TV the Women’s game
At Beijing 2008, my last Olympic Games , one of the NZ athlete team members came up to me “Barbara do you remember me? You came and spoke at my primary school when I was 5, after your talk I knew I wanted to go to the Olympics and here I am” πͺπΌ
If you haven’t already check out the @thenzteam Olympic Ambassador and education program for your school.
32 years later it is still a privilege to be inspiring the next generation.
#earnthefern
#olympicschools
Got goosebumps so many times this week while collaborating with 30 trainers from 23 different countries 18 of them Olympians in the athlete 365, career+ workshop #selfdiscovery #CVresume #powerupyourfuture @athlete365
After spearheading, designing, advocating for this program since 2005 it is so gratifying to reflect on how it has evolved and the amazing results achieved.
15000+ workshop participants since 2005
99% found the workshop valuable
99% would recommend it
98% felt empowered
So inspired by this group of amazing humans from all around the globe that are passionate and leading the charge in empowering athletes and making the world a better place person by person
A cheer and a half for standing up for others. πππ«Άπ»π«΅π»
For 20 years I volunteered as the athletes voice on commissions in New Zealand and around the world.
My journey began after the Olympics in Atlanta 1996 when I had a ‘interesting experience’ and knew I just had to stand up and speak out to improve the athletes experience for the next generation of Olympians.
So proud of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and where they are today with their Manaakitanga and athletes being at the heart of the everything they do - take a bow @thenzteam
Thanks @cadburynz @halosportnz
So I met this guy today, at first I wasn’t sure who he was but being a performance coach I was attracted to his board and the mantra’s he had written down to inspire him. We chatted for ages he was 100% present and engaged even though he didn’t know me at all.
After his heat he gave his board to one of the up and coming young Mexican competitors. Paying it forward, giving back.
@filipetoledo I am now inspired you are a great person first then an exceptional athlete the perfect example of the @isasurfing vision - a better world through surfing.
Obrigado and nga mihi - it was a pleasure to talk with you today
That’s a wrap for the class of 2023
This is the 9th Year I have been working with Ingram Micro as their Performance Coach transforming their people and leaders into “Corporate Athletes”. At the end of my six months program I put their learnings to the test, taking them out of their “comfort zones” and teach them to windsurf.
Happy to report the success rate has been 100%.
#proudcoach
#performancecoach
#treasurechesttools
#empowerment
#corporateathletes
#highperformance
#consciousleadership
#zoneflow
#memaps
#lovemyjob
Whoop whoop - 9th at the World WaterPolo Championships in Doha, Qatar. An incredible effort from these fierce ladies.
Being their performance coach has been right up there as one of the most rewarding and satisfying roles I have taken on in sport.
To witness their growth over the last 3.5 weeks and see them play with grit, determination, relentlessness, united and focussed was friggen awesome.
All Kudos and respect to coach @angiewsmith10 - her vision, single mindedness, perseverance and passion for the sport is unwavering and inspiring. NZ is lucky to have her leading this team.
Loved rooming with Polly Powrie fellow Olympic gold and silver medalist #best roomie/manager Onwards and upwards @nzwomenwaterpolo #bringonLA2028
Bring on Los Angeles.
Been a fab week working with the @nzwomenwaterpolo team in Sydney as a lead up to their world champs in Doha. Thoroughly enjoyed tuning them in to self awareness and winning mindsets. We have had fun building up their treasure chests of tools and tricks to find flow and zone with many laughs and good banter. So proud of these girls and how far they have come in the last 4 years against the odds. Their first game 4th Feb. Send winning vibes this way for our Waterpolo Wahine Warriors
Inspiring couple of days with the ISA athletes commission and watching the ISA Para Surfing World Champs in Huntington Beach. Have to admit I was bought to tears a couple of times seeing these athletes and their support teams courage as they took on the ocean power and conquered. ISA definitely making the world a better place through surfing. π©·
Such a treat to hang out and walk into @sam__bright world for the last 4 days. To See her thriving at @csunpolo with her team in the USA and to have the ability to surf in the weekends makes my heart sing. This is Especially amazing after living her journey of ill health over the last couple of years. AND Yes I am shrinking π³π€£. #lifeisneverastraightline #dontchallengeherarmwrestle #wahinetoa
Such a blast working with the next generation of NZ Windfoilers. How quick these kids improve is so satisfying . Wishing I was 18 againπ. Thanks @jptobin for passing on his wisdom #masteratwork @sailmanly for hosting us all @kwanchingma thanks for coming to NZ and showing them all how it is done @stella_bilger @aimster.brighty143 @jack__parr @benrist09 @finn.pye @j0sh_tuck #letsgo #justthebeginning #nextgen #youngguns #thunderbirdsarego
Loving having the opportunity to go back into the Oceania Islands to deliver IOC Athlete365 Career + Self Discovery and CV/Resume in Person. These athletes have so much spirit. Good to see you @karomahalelai . missed you @ryan_pini @a_giali07 @alexdavani9
Thanks @pngocofficial for having me.
@athlete365
#athlete365 #career+ #globalmastertrainer #Olympicmovement
#buildingcapacity #lifeaftersport #transferrableskills #whatareyoursuperpowers? #bealeader #memaps #purpose #impact #selfconfidence #fulfillment
Love working with the next generation of athletes. @taniadaltonfoundation graduates 2023. Building me maps, purpose statements, strengths and confidence. Understanding and identifying the highly valuable and transferable skills learned from sport. #gogetemgirls thanks for having me . @athlete365 #career+ #lifeaftersport #powerofsport
@olympics
One of the best parts of being an athlete were the amazing family of friends made from all around the world. We were all connected by our our love for the ocean and windsurfing. We trained, raced, partied, shared meals, supported each other and shared our lives for so many years. Wonderful to catch up with @gellyskarlatou @nikoskaklamanakis for a few days in one of my favourite countries. Glad to see you both haven’t changed and are still my favourite crazy Greeks. Missed you @tonyfrey76 xxxx heading back to NZ with my heart full. β€οΈ
Bright/Kendall family comings and goings.
Aimee just got back from her first open IQ world champs in holland. Huge learning experience for her placing 66th.
Samantha got 11th in the world waterpolo champs in Japan and leaves for her new college today at Northridge in Los Angeles.
Mum turned 83 getting cuter every year and Shayne and I are aging like good wine.
10 years this kid has dreamed of making a New Zealand women’s waterpolo team. Today she headed off to the world champs in Japan wearing her first silver fern. It’s been a roller coaster particularly over the last 3 years with covid, concussions and glandular fever. You have done it @sam__bright so so so proud . When the timing is right the timing is right. #dreamsdocometrue #nevergiveup #attitudeiseverything
During the Chef De Mission meeting here in Bali @anocworldbeachgames
As part of the legacy and sustainability of the games, all participants in the games have the opportunity to plant their own coral garden to make a difference to the Ocean.
In 10 years this garden has gone from being baron and dead to a thriving ecosystem with many fish. #inspiringinitiative #Sustainabliilty #coralforlife #makingadifference #liveocean
#AWBGBali2023 @wingfoilracing will love this.
Been a HUGE 8 days for this chick competing in her first ever GWA World Winging Tour Event at Mount Manganui. So proud to see her rise above nerves, challenging changing conditions, new courses and rules plus a wrenched shoulder to come away with a podium finish in the Freeride Slalom against some of the best girls in the world. But the best prize, as a mum/coach/cook/manager, was to see her positive attitude, resilience and her smile throughout the week.
πΈ @georgiasphoto / @plateauproductions
@wingfoilworldtour
@waterbournenz
@armstrongfoils
@tiptopnz
@vodafonenz
@bayofplentynz
@sportbayofplenty
@bullet.espresso
@drinkheyhey
β¨
#wingfoilworldtour #globalwingsportsassociation #gwawingfoil #wingfoil #wingsurf #GWANewZealand #waterbournenz #MtMaunganui #NZBiggestBeachFestival
Australian Wing Foiling National Champs 2023 and Oceania Championships Done and dusted.
More than 45 riders, 6 New Zealanders racing on Sydney Harbour.
Great location, Great vibes, Great conditions.
Great to catch up with old friends and make new friends.
@paulsnowhansen 4th,
KostaGladiadis 5th- U19 champiosn (14 years old)
@samthomnz 6th
@jeremiah_mcdonald 8th
@aimster.brighty143 12th - Womens Champion
@barbskendall 27th - 2nd Women
#wingingit #wingfoiling #wingfoilgracing
@sailmanly
@wingfoilnzl
@anocworldbeachgames
@worldsailingofficial @axisfoils @fone.wing @assaultboardridingcentre
Honoured to be re-elected as a Vice President onto the ISA (international surfing association) executive board for a third term.
Privileged to work with a great team @fernandoaguerre @bobfasulo @officialkirstycoventry @cj_steinfath
What a wave we have ridden and are still riding to have surfing in the Olympic Games
Making the world a better place through surfing
Let’s go @paris2024 @la28games @2032brisbane
@awbgbali2023 @isasurfing @ryan_pini love this shotππ
How lucky am I to have had 21 years of this amazing human brightening up my life and teaching me how to be a parent. Trying to fit 21 of years into four minutes wasn’t easy but Barbara Spielberg tried her best π. Missing you today @sam__bright being on the other side of the world. Loving you tons.
That’s a wrap!! What a ride @aimster.brighty143, finishing 18th in your first world champs. All those ups and downs of challenging conditions inexperience and rookie mistakes whilst racing in a solid fleet and then catching covid just to add more glitter to the situation. What you have demonstrated is real grit, determination and spirit despite being pushed beyond every limit physically and emotionally you thought you had. But best of all being able to pick yourself up, figure out the learning find a smile and soldier on is more valuable than any gold medal. I have a new respect for my parents now knowing how stressful it must have been being on the other side of the world watching on. I am looking forward to a full nights sleep. Get well soon Aimee, we will see you in a twinkle of an eye. Thanks to all that have been her support for this journey in helping build our next amazing generation of sailors @allianzsailingworlds @nz_sailingtrust @nzlsailingteam @antonioecozzolino @jptobin
37 years ago, 1985 to be exact, I was the first girl ever to represent NZ in windsurfing at the Youth Sailing Worlds in Silvaplana, Switzerland.
Today Aimee landed in The Hague, Holland to compete in the same competition in Windfoiling, the new Olympic Class.
Beyond proud to see the grit, determination and pure JOY she has demonstrated over the last year learning to fly over the water.
Send it Aimee, do what you do best.
#blazingherowntrail
#alreadywinningnomattertheresult
#liveeverymoment
#crazyisgood
#lettheadventurebegin
So it’s time, @sam__bright has spread her wings, starting to ride that wave towards her next chapter in life. Tonight boarding the plane to take up an academic/sport scholarship at Mount Saint Mary’s university USA. Even though our tears blurred our eyes today my heart is singing. The whole Kendall/Bright family Already missing you but oh so proud π
Thank you for all your birthday wishes from all around the world.
It was an honour to share this day with an amazing man, Jacque Rogge the former IOC president who passed away through to the other side.
Jacque was a wonderful gentleman that had so much Mana and charisma, a remarkable leader. Best part, he was a sailor and loyal family man. Jacque's life is definitely one to celebrate. The positive impact Jacque made on this world is immeasurable and the love he shared with his family and friends. He will definitely be one of the brightest stars up there looking down at us.
Happy to share this day with you Jacque.
Weird when you wake up in the morning an realise that @sam__bright is no longer a teenager π³ happy born day Sammy - From the day you joined us You haven’t stopped teaching me how to be your mum π I don’t do adult - so thank goodness for Shayne. We damn lucky to have you home for 2 lock down birthdays in a row. Luv ya tons......
The Golden girls of New Zealand - amazing moment in NZ sport right now - 9 gold medal Olympic moments for NZ Wahine Toa and we haven’t finished yet @thenzteam #gogirls
Yvette Williams 1952 - athletics
Barbara Kendall 1992 - sailing
Sarah Ulmer 2004 - cycling
Georgina & Carolina Evers Swindel 2004 - rowing
Valerie Adam 2012 - athletics
Olivia Powrie & Jo Aleh 2012 - sailing
Lisa Carrington 2012 - canoe
Grace Pendergast & Kerri Gowler 2021 - rowing
Emma Twigg 2021 - rowing
RIP Lise Vidal you were a true heart connected soul. So many good times we shared as your global windsurfing family, your laughter, smile, mischievousness, athleticism, loyalty, honesty and much more. From one of your soul sea sisters from Down under - thank you for being part of my life. @lisevidal
About last night….
Great to hang out with these other NZ Olympic Flag Bearers Mahi Drysdale @peteburling @blairtuke Rob Waddell
Congratulations to @hamish_bond and @sarahgoss10 joining the club.
Great initiative from the IOC to encourage a female and male to be team leaders at the opening ceremony in Tokyo.
@thenzteam
Thanks to everyone that came up with name suggestions for our giant skateboard - Eke Tahi (ride as one) took the top spot. There was some great kiwi humour that emerged - Wheely Waka. Aotearoller and OLY. Skatey Mcskateface was the people choice with over 50 people suggesting itπ. Captain scruffy loved the chance to get on board. @thenzteam #NZgetonboard #ridetogether #comingtoatownnearyou #supportourolympians #ridetotokyo #teamof5million
Join the IOC Career+ team for our four-part workshop series in English from 12-15 April.
Sign up and grow and develop an understanding of yourself as you explore potential career options and prepare for your future.@Athlete365
Register at the link in my bio. π #athlete365 #powerup #career #athletecareer #careerworkshops #workshops #careertransition #dualcareer #athletesupport#onlineworkshop
The week of sport that twas. North island junior volleyball champs in Tauranga and waterpolo champs in auckland - wishing I was 15 again to have all these fun sporting experiences had to play manager instead π @aimee.bright20015 you can sleep in tomorrow -you played amazing with the BEST attitude. #nevergaveup Whangaparaoa college placed 10th in volleyball and 7th = in waterpolo whoop whoop
One of my absolute highlights this year has been creating the Power UP workshops for the IOC athlete365 - Witnessing the engagement of all these Olympians, athletes and entourage as they learn more about themselves, their superpowers, what’s wildly important, unique skills, impact and purpose.
Now to see the program be translated and delivered in 6 different languages by amazing trainers across the world is so cool.
Follow the link in my bio for more information - the workshops are free, just costs your time to learn and discover about the most important asset you have - YOU.
“this inspiring and educational sessions ignited me to stay continuously aware of my purpose and to keep on going for it”
“Every detail of this workshop is perfect, really amazing work”
“provides tools that are very helpful for here, now and later in life too”
#powerup #memap #Olympics #evolve #sportforlife
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