Lumen Winter 2016 - Flipbook - Page 12
story by Kelly Brown
Balancing study,
professional sport
and the unexpected
Studying psychology and
joining the University of
Adelaide Boat Club proved
the perfect combination for
Olympian Amber Halliday
in her pursuit of sporting
success at the elite level.
A
mber’s initial interest in psychology
was triggered by a fascination
with people and what motivates
them – but she also wanted to better
understand her own thought processes
to help her become a better rower.
She took up rowing in year seven at
Pembroke School and by year 12 was
training with the South Australian Sports
Institute (SASI). It was a good grounding
because opportunities to compete at a
higher level did not come easy.
“I really struggled – but in hindsight
that was the best thing that could have
happened,” says Amber.
It was like jumping
in the deep end of a pool.
You would either sink or
learn to swim and luckily
I learned to swim.
10 Lumen | Winter 2016
