Back home in Townsville, having come from his third Winter Olympics competing in Luge, Alex Ferlazzo has taken a wide-ranging trip around Far North Queensland to share with kids some invaluable lessons and experiences.
Australia’s only luge triple Olympian visited 10 schools and three sports clubs on his community road trip last week, covering more than 1,000km in five days with support from Olympics Unleashed.
“They’re all very interested in Luge and have a million questions after I’ve explained everything,” Alex said.
“I think they really connect with me because I am from Far North Queensland as well. I’m very proud of where I’m from.
“I’m letting these kids know they really can do whatever they want no matter where they are from. A lot of them have never even thought about being cold before let alone playing a winter sport or making the Olympics.
Holding the full attention of the group, the 27-year-old talks about what he’s lived through and realised with an emphasis on never giving up and being resilient.
“Take the first step and fail at a few things. Just be willing to jump back on the sled and try again no matter how many times you hit the wall on the way down.
Having a strong mindset was crucial for Alex to build up and deliver his best Olympic performance yet at Beijing 2022.
When relating it back to the students, he points out there a lot of similarities between applying yourself to achieve an Olympic dream and trying to be the best you can be outside of sport.
“It could be a netball game or an English exam, get up and have another go.
"I’ve also been pushing the power of the present moment. Trying to be more mindful and aware of being the best version of yourself in the present moment, rather than worrying about the results at the end. Not letting nerves effect your performance like they have done for me in the past.
“They’re more inspired than ever after hearing what I had to say and I can tell they feel that way when I leave.”
While the kids have a lot of fun and learn from Alex, the energy and focus they give Alex is just as powerful of an exchange.
“I get a rush every time. Seeing their faces light up when their world suddenly gets so much bigger when I start talking about the cold weather and competing against other people from around the world and travelling and seeing different parts of the world. It’s special to me.
“It inspires me to be a better person and it reminds me of where I came from.”
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Jeff Dickinson-Fox
