Family support key to success
- Jennifer Huxley
- 15th August 2008
Justin Anlezark, wife Angela and daughter Lucy at a City Golf Club fundraiser. Back; Peter Constance, Therese Kiernan, Ed Britnell, Kevin Stapleton, Marc Kennedy. Front; Dean Bernstone, Scott Patten, Peter Rookas, George Williamson, Maureen Orford.
WIFE, mother, psychologist, trainer, best friend.
Angie Anlezark has had to be a lot of things for her husband, Olympic shot putter Justin Anlezark, in the lead-up to Beijing.
But today she can concentrate on filling just one role – as Justin's biggest fan.
After a roller-coaster four years Justin will throw for a gold medal today and Angie is planning to be glued to the television screen with daughters Holly and Lucy.
“I have been trying to control my nerves by cleaning the house. I work as a tennis instructor and that has helped me keep my mind off things, but I'm not working on Thursday so it's going to be a very long day,” she said.
“I'm so proud of him. I was just talking to him on the phone and said to him 'you've made it this far, just go for it'.
“He loves Beijing; he's feeling really happy and confident so I think he'll reach his goal of making the finals.”
Athletics Australia's refusal to fund Justin's Beijing campaign plunged the family into hard times, however, Angie said they always found a way to keep the Olympics in sight.
“Over the last 10 years of competing we certainly have been through a lot. We always came back to the conclusion that he won't be able to do this forever so enjoy the ride and go for those dreams you believe in,” she said.
“We often put sayings on the bathroom wall to get us through the hard times. When Justin was trying to qualify for the Beijing Olympics there was a lot pressure and doubt that he wouldn't qualify so I put on the bathroom mirror, “All good things come to those who wait” with a big smiley face underneath it.
“I'm always really conscious of making sure I don't hamper his training. If I want him to mow the grass it could put him off track.
“I think the hardest thing is keeping everything happy when he's getting ready for an event. If I have had a hard day I have to bite my tongue – everything needs to be really positive.
“Justin continues to amaze me with his ambition and passion for his sport. He is a true-blue Aussie champion and if he believes he can make the London Olympics then I say bring it on as I know he will achieve it and I will be there right beside him.”
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Anlezark geared to give best shot at Olympic gold
