Iona girls inspired by Olympian Blair Evans
Olympic swimmer Blair Evans was once told she would not succeed as the athlete she wanted to be.
"When I was 11 years old, I was having trouble with my hip and went to the doctor," she said.
"I was told it was cancer and I needed to undergo a series of scans.
"A week later, doctors told me they had misdiagnosed my condition, and it was actually an infection in the ball and socket joint of my hip."
This was the first of many hurdles Blair had to overcome to become an Olympic swimmer.
Blair spoke to a captive audience of Iona Presentation College swimmers on Friday morning, inspiring them for their upcoming races at the IGSSA Swimming Carnival.
She spoke about setting goals in all areas of their lives, saying that it is through goals that we become motivated to achieve great results.
"Whatever is thrown at you, don't give up," she said.
Blair told amusing stories about the sibling rivalry in her family and her lifelong dream to beat her brother in a swimming race, which she achieved.
She also spoke about her horror injury run, and the elation she felt when she won the 400m individual medley at the national titles to secure her place in the Rio Olympic Team.
Her message to the girls was, "always believe and always back yourself."
"Don't let someone tell you, you can't do something, keep pushing and you will find a way to succeed."
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