WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US // get to know our girl Tayla Simmonds✌️
Some of you may already know Tayla, or maybe you've seen her pop up on our 'gram, but we wanna help spread the word to the rest of the world about how epic she is and help you girls get to know her better, so we reached out to her for a Q&A!
Tayla is an elite level water-skier. Recently, she was named 'Waterski QLD Junior Female Skier of the Year', but what's more impressive is her ability to overcome some major obstacles to achieve this. A year prior, Tayla was affected by significant brain injuries after a serious car accident left her hospitalised, subsequently losing her identity in sport, school, friendships; the loneliest place to unexpectedly find yourself as a teenager. She spent 2 and a half months in brain stimulation at hospital and is still in physiotherapy, but despite all this has just been selected to represent Australia at the 2021 JUNIOR & U21 WORLD CHAMPS, and compete individually in the JUNIOR U.S. MASTERS - the most prestigious water-skiing event in the world.
She's an incredibly hard working, fun-lovin', inspirational woman who we're super proud to have on our team. Get to know Tayla below👇
What part of training do you enjoy the most?
"I love training for my sport as it is my personal time out on the water where I can enjoy doing what I love on some of the prettiest lakes in the world. When I’m on the water I can’t help but smile as it is just my favourite thing in the world."
What sports did you do when you were younger & did any of these lead to you becoming a water skier?
"When I was younger I did every sport under the sun! I skied, danced, swam, played tennis, basketball, soccer and did some gymnastics. None of these really lead to my skiing but most definitely assisted with balance, athletic mindset, personal development etc!"
What’s the most difficult part of being an elite athlete for you?
"The most difficult part about being an elite athlete would be balancing school, family, friends and work. There is lots of dedication and sacrifice involved when climbing to the top of any sport. Amongst this there is a world of opportunity and experience I have been so lucky to have!"
How have you found training/competing in your sport over the past year with all the COVID restrictions? Has this impacted your motivation in any way?
"I was massively affected by the COVID restrictions and they most definitely impacted my motivation. Before it all unfolded I was the fittest and most motivated I have been throughout my entire sporting life. It was really tough having these events I have worked my entire life for being cancelled and accepting I won’t be able to compete there. Some of these were my last junior events which was truly heartbreaking, however I hope we can get back into it for the U21 events. I have qualified for the Junior, U21 and Open World Championships which are all being held at the end of this year, however we are seeing it is unlikely that we will have the opportunity to compete there due to the worlds current circumstances."
What’s your fave food?
"Banana bread or açai bowls."
Where in the world would you love to visit one day?
"Greece or Snow skiing in Japan!"
What’s your fave JOLYN piece you own?
Follow Tayla's journey and stay up to date with all her adventures by checking out her 'gram - @taylasimmonds 💙