Off The Field: Meet Bree
Welcome to the intriguing world of Bobsleigh, a sport demanding power, precision, and unyielding spirit as athletes hurtle down icy tracks at breath-taking speeds. In this series, we delve into an extraordinary journey alongside Australia’s #1 Bobsleigh athlete, Bree Walker, gaining insight into the character and determination propelling Bree to the forefront of global competition.
What drew you to bobsleigh?
I never thought of myself as a thrill seeker, but when I was younger, I loved adventure and fast paced activities. I think that is what originally drew me to the sport. Once I started, people noticed that I had physical attributes that were well suited for bobsleigh; that motivated me even more to see how far I could go.
Did your athletics background help shape you into a bobsleigh athlete?
Yes, it absolutely did. The training was quite similar and allowed me to remove the training I didn’t like from athletics, such as long lactic workouts for 400m. Instead, I add elements to make my training bobsleigh specific, like heavy, powerful weightlifting which I love.
What do you enjoy most about being a professional athlete, and what fuels your passion for bobsleigh?
My favourite aspect has to be that I do what I love - training and competing - every day as my job. Growing up I never thought that would be possible, so I genuinely feel like I’m living the dream. What keeps me passionate about bobsleigh is that the better and more experienced I become, the more I see what is possible to achieve. That’s what keeps me highly motivated season after season.
Can you describe the feeling of racing at such high speeds?
It’s hard to put into words, it’s just such a rush. When I finish a run that I know is fast, it’s the biggest adrenaline rush; you’re just buzzing. It’s the coolest feeling because, in that moment, you are thinking of nothing else other than what you need to do to fly down the track as fast as you can. Sometimes I can’t even remember the run because you’re completely living in the moment. I love that feeling, but it’s very hard for me to describe.
Do you have any unique pre-race rituals?
Yes, I have a few! I always braid my hair in two braids for race day, I always wear the same underwear and crop top, and I always listen to Beyoncé to warm up.
How do you cope with setbacks in your sport?
I have an amazing support team who really help me cope with setbacks. We first try to address what the setback is and what caused it. Then, we create a new plan on how to overcome it. This requires a physical plan and mental plan. I then must be disciplined enough to stick to it and be honest with my team on how I’m doing and how I’m progressing.
What is your favourite memory in sport so far?
I have a few, but my favourite would have to be the 2022 Olympic Games. It had been a dream of mine to become an Australian Olympian ever since I was a little girl; that ticked a big box for me! There are a few reasons why it is my favourite memory. I love looking back on that experience and remembering how far I came over those four years (from 2018 to 2022) and what I achieved there for my country. It’s a part of my journey I’ll treasure forever.
If you weren’t a bobsleigh athlete, what career path do you think you’d have pursued?
I’ve studied to be a sport and science teacher, so I could have taken that path, but I think in the future I would want to help run a sport programme and help athletes achieve their goals on the world stage. Alternatively, I would want to own a cafe with amazing food, cakes, and great coffee.
What is the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received, and how has it influenced your journey?
I have received two valuable pieces of advice that have changed my life and the way I look at things. Firstly, when I was young, a family friend who was an Olympian told me, "Just keep going. The ones who succeed and achieve their goals and dreams aren't always the most talented ones, but they are the ones who never give up." This advice has been working for me so far.
The second piece of advice that has influenced me is how I perceive my goals, especially if I don’t achieve them. I have learned that if you don’t achieve a goal, it’s not a failure; it’s an attempt. You can have as many attempts as you want or need to achieve your goal. This has helped me not be afraid of going after my goals, no matter how big or difficult they may seem.
Finally, what are your aspirations and goals for the future in bobsleigh?
I don’t really like to go into too much detail about my goals and aspirations, but my main goal is to podium at a World Cup, World Championships and Olympic Games level. I’m excited for who is a part of my team and I think there is a lot of potential, so anything is possible!
Bree has kicked off the 2023/24 competition season in impressive fashion, securing a gold medal in the North American Cup. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming World Cup circuit in a matter of days, we extend an invitation for you to join us on this exciting journey. Follow us for timely updates and an exclusive insider's perspective into the sport of bobsleigh and Bree's remarkable journey – (@theathletesagency).