Barbara Kendall - Competing in 5 Olympics & Pioneering Women’s Sport in New Zealand
Episode Description
Barbara Kendall. The legendary NZ Windsurfing icon, with a sporting career that includes a highlights reel like 11 world championship medals, 25 national titles and 3 Olympic medals.
This is very small part of the epic Barbara Kendall story.
We talk through the windsurfing stuff and becoming a household name in 1992 after becoming the first NZ to win a gold medal in 40 years.
The Reality TV stints on Dancing with the stars and Celebrity Treasure Island, including her beef with Matty McClean.
Her role as a member of the IOC and her take on the recent "Ray Gun: Olympic saga.
What a house fire taught her about material possessions
The pride she has in her husband and daughters and much much more.
***
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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
Brief Summary
Barbara Kendall discusses her Olympic journey, motherhood, and life after sports, emphasizing resilience and the importance of support in athletics.
Key points
- Navigating Life After Competition. Barbara shares her experiences transitioning from athlete to mentor and parent.
- The Pressure of Expectations. Barbara discusses the challenges her daughters face growing up with her legacy.
- The Olympic Journey. Barbara recalls her brother winning a bronze medal at the Olympics while she was at school. 'I thought, oh that’s pretty cool.'
- A Life-Changing Accident. Barbara's life takes a turn when a boating accident shatters her wrist just before the Olympics. 'Oh, that doesn’t look good.'
- Olympic Journey. Barbara Kendall reflects on her intense training and emotional journey leading up to the Olympics.
- Winning the Gold. Kendall shares her experience of winning the gold medal and the emotions that followed.
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Episode highlights
- Navigating Life After CompetitionBarbara shares her experiences transitioning from athlete to mentor and parent.“I want to be as good as I used to be.”6:57Dec 15, 2024
- The Pressure of ExpectationsBarbara discusses the challenges her daughters face growing up with her legacy.“Mom, you must have been really good because this is so hard.”12:36Dec 15, 2024
- The Olympic JourneyBarbara recalls her brother winning a bronze medal at the Olympics while she was at school. 'I thought, oh that’s pretty cool.'“I thought, oh that’s pretty cool.”22:49Dec 15, 2024
- A Life-Changing AccidentBarbara's life takes a turn when a boating accident shatters her wrist just before the Olympics. 'Oh, that doesn’t look good.'“Oh, that doesn’t look good.”30:56Dec 15, 2024
- Olympic JourneyBarbara Kendall reflects on her intense training and emotional journey leading up to the Olympics.“I remember crying quite a lot but I’d like to stop and say...”37:39Dec 15, 2024
- Winning the GoldKendall shares her experience of winning the gold medal and the emotions that followed.“I crawled into my wardrobe and cried.”47:46Dec 15, 2024
- Becoming a Flag BearerBeing asked to be the flag bearer was a huge honor and responsibility.“I’m a yes person... see where it goes”56:05Dec 15, 2024
- Motherhood and SailingBalancing motherhood with a return to competitive sailing was challenging yet rewarding.“I have no idea how to be a mom”1:06:44Dec 15, 2024





