Karin Burger Couldn't Watch The Comm Games - Now She's Leading NZ Into Them

Karin Burger is a New Zealand netball legend- since making her Silver Ferns debut in 2018 she has played over 70 tests in the black dress.

This episode originally came out in 2023. I’m re-issuing it now because a lot has changed since then. The podcast has grown significantly, picking up thousands of new subscribers. And at the time of publishing, Karin is in Scotland with the Silver Ferns as the team captain for the Commonwealth Games.

Making this moment extra special for Karin is the heartbreak of 4 years ago where she was forced to miss the Comm Games due to injury- we talk about that in the podcast.

In this episode we talk about Karins move to NZ from South Africa by herself at 18 and the seven-year grind to become a Silver Fern.

The devastation of being sent off during her Silver Ferns debut.

What it’s like playing for coach Dame Noeline Taurua and insights into her coaching methods.

Karin also opens up about loneliness, being relentlessly hard on herself, her discomfort with vulnerability and much more.

Listening back now, knowing Karin is about to captain New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games, makes her story of sacrifice and perseverance even more powerful. You’ll love this episode.

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0:00 - Introduction to Karin's Journey 0:10 - The Silver Ferns Dream 0:44 - Coping with Injury and Lows 9:13 - Life Behind the Scenes and Being Single 16:30 - Passion for Shopping and Retail Therapy 17:56 - Early Days in South Africa 32:47 - The Move to New Zealand and Family Support 33:35 - A Tough Seven-Year Grind 35:43 - The Early Years: Visa Struggles and Working Hard 43:53 - Planning for Life After Netball: Studies and Nutrition 47:43 - Silver Ferns Debut and Early Challenges 56:11 - Lessons from Being Sent Off 1:01:05 - Connection to South African Roots and Language 1:04:42 - Playing Against South Africa 1:10:40 - The Heartbreak of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Injury 1:13:40 - Dealing with Injury and Self-Reflection 1:19:31 - Working with Sports Psychologists and Vulnerability 1:23:10 - Dealing with Loneliness and Mental Health 1:26:38 - Perfectionism and Being Hard on Herself 1:30:56 - Significance of the Silver Ferns Black Dress 1:41:23 - Faith and Values 1:45:45 - Becoming a Proud New Zealander