5 mins with Ana

My life as a physie girl in 5 words is… Fun, calming, sweaty, fulfilling, … did I mention sweaty?

My earliest physie memory is… Watching my older sister Elizabeth be painted with contest whilst standing on the dining table. I remember being so jealous and asking mum to do my hair and makeup too. Then looking into a mirror and being so impressed with how I looked!

My favourite physie moment was… Seeing and hugging my mum outside of the ICC during intermission after making grand. It is something we have dreamed of together my whole physie career and for that to have happened and to be able to share it with her, is moment I look back on with such warmth and gratitude. My family being a part of those moments is so special.

I’ll never give up physie because… of how it makes me feel. Physie is a source of pure happiness for me, and it’s more than just a sport that makes you work hard both physically and mentally. It gives you something to focus your energy into when life gets really stressful and allows you to express emotion in a way that empowers you to keep going.

If I could have any superhero power it would be… Endless endurance – that cardio is a killer!

My favourite routine is… The contemporary for sure. I get totally lost in it. But the cardio routine is a close second because it’s fun and makes me feel strong.

To prepare for physie competitions I… do of a bit of stretching, a lot of practicing, watching and dissecting class videos, a stress release cry every now and then, as well as a bowl of pasta the night before.

My favourite thing about performing is… That all or nothing feeling you get when you’re tired, everything is cramping, you can’t breathe, and it feels easier to just melt into the floor. But the little voice inside says, “Come on, let’s go!!” and you get that second wind to give it everything you have worked all year for. It is completely gratifying!

My physie teacher always says… Don’t think about it, take the pressure off, and just do it.

I am inspired by… My teacher Carly Robinson, she is a beautiful physie lady on and off the floor that has become such a special person in my life. Carly cares so deeply about everyone she teaches and will do anything to make her girls feel loved and supported. Everyone deserves a Carly!