Jacinta Carroll nominated for QLD Sport Star award

Our very own Physiotherapist, Jacinta Carroll was nominated for the Courier-Mail Channel 7 Queensland Sport Star of the Year award! Jacinta is the 2019 Water Ski World Jump Champion who equalled the current world record of 60.3 metres in May. This outstanding jump made Jacinta become the first female to jump 60 metres!

Not only is Jacinta an elite Water Skiier, but she is also a competitive weightlifter. Juggling both sports has given Jacinta an incredible insight into elite sport, which has benefited her Physiotherapy experience and knowledge tremendously. We sat down with Jacinta to get an insight in to how she manages these commitments, but also how they complement each other.

Jacinta – How exciting to be nominated for the Courier-Mail Channel 7 Queensland Sport Star of the Year, how do you feel?

I feel honoured to be listed as a finalist against some of Queensland’s best athletes. Waterskiing isn’t a very well known sport, so to be a finalist alongside these athletes from swimming, tennis, hockey, netball etc is such a privilege. I am very proud to represent my sport at such an evening.

What did it mean to you when you realised you were the first ever female to jump 60mtrs?

It has been a goal of mine since I was a little girl to break that record. Not just for myself, but for females in general. To prove to the world that we can hold our own against the men and break barriers many never thought possible. That was an absolutely amazing moment in my career. In a sense I was relieved. I was relieved that the pressure I placed on myself to achieve this record was worth it. That moment is something I will cherish forever and hold very close to my heart.

What thoughts were going through your head before, during and after your world record jump?

To be honest, I was completely calm. It was one of the calmest jumps of my career. I was 100% in the zone and not letting my concentration waiver at all. I left the starting dock knowing that if I completed a technically correct jump that the record would be mine. I had confidence, yet enough doubt to also put a nervous tension and edge into my body. 

Following the jump, I was a complete sobbing mess! My coach passed away in 2011 and all I could think was “I wish he was here to share this moment”. However, at the end of the day he was – that is why I was so calm. I knew he was watching down on me, cheering me on, knowing if I followed his advice (technique, technique, technique,) then the distance would come. I was so proud that I believed I had finally made him proud.

Watch Jacinta’s world record jump below

You are a competitive athlete in both Water Ski Jump and Weightlifting, how do you prepare for these very different events? 

The two sports are very different to say the least. In weightlifting, I have to be in a certain weight category (59kg), however, in skiing I can be as slim or thick as I prefer. My weightlifting training has been a huge benefit to my power and strength, however I doubt my waterski ability transfers to the weightlifting platform. What I can say is the mental approach to each sport is completely different. Waterskiing, I have proven my ability for many years now. I have completed thousands of reps of the same technique for years on end and have complete confidence in my ability in all conditions. Weightlifting, on the other hand, I view myself as a beginner. I doubt my ability, I get way more nervous even on a small scale event and mentally have a different approach, simply because I have done the sport for 14yrs less than my Water Ski competitions.

Is there sometimes a conflict in schedules? How do you manage this?

Yes, there has been some conflicts on and off. If I was to say one thing about my skills in being an elite athlete, it would have to be my time management skills. I somehow have managed my time to allow for full time work and training and competing in 2 different sports. Waterskiing is still my main focus at the moment and therefore if there is a clash I would have to pick skiing, however thankfully this has not occurred yet.

What’s next for Jacinta Carroll the competitive athlete?

In 2020, I will be competing in Australia, America and Oceania regions for both Waterskiing and Weightlifting. Hopefully I will be able to bring some great news home as I embark on attempting to break the 200ft barrier (60.9m) in waterskiing before putting my skiing on hold come June to focus on my Sports Masters.

What’s next for Jacinta Carroll the Physiotherapist?

In 2020, I will be working from both the Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba clinics as well as being the head Physiotherapist for the Brisbane Lions Under 18 Girls.

As of February, I will also be studying part time as I embark on my Masters in Sports Physiotherapy to further develop my knowledge and skills in the sports industry.

What is some of the best advice you could give young female athletes, particularly in sports that don’t necessarily have the same funding/publicity as some other sports?

Competing in a sport with not much publicity or a big profile has both positives and negatives. Funding wise – it is difficult, however, for me that was one of the biggest motivators. I remember being in China needing to make podium that day to be able to even afford a flight home.

If it’s a sport that you enjoy then that is all that matters. Don’t let anybody tell you that your goals are too big or you can’t achieve what you want to. At the end of the day, turn that fuel into your passion and throw your heart and soul into proving those people wrong – because at the end of the day we only live once. Live for your passion and that moment in time that will truly make you happy. And if that happens to be a low profile sport with limited funding so be it. Become that female that other girls look up to and enjoy the ride, even if it is a hard fought tough one. 

Do you find your experience being an elite athlete in not only one, but two sports, helps you become a better physiotherapist? How so?

Definitely. Obviously skiing has the ability to cause a lot of injuries and as a result, I have lived the rehabilitation life many times. Weightlifting, on the other hand, has been a great aid in my technical knowledge regarding strength training, weightlifting, load management and injury prevention. I try to use all of this knowledge and experience to relate to patients, but also to help develop the best rehabilitation program that is individualised to them.

What do you think is the most important thing is in terms of recovery and preparation for big competitions?

SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP!!! Sleep is one of the most powerful tools in recovery and very high on my list of things I need to fit into my 24hr day.

Book in with Jacinta today by calling, emailing or booking online.

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