While many Australians share a passion for sport and deep admiration for their favourite athletes, we rarely get the opportunity to listen to those same athletes share their stories in their words. With all eyes set on the Summer 2024 Olympic Games in Paris—and an equal amount of pressure and attention on those competing in them—it’s more important than ever to remember the real people behind each of our sporting icons. That’s why Harvey Norman is proud to sponsor and present the ‘En Route to Paris’ podcast!
En Route to Paris is a limited podcast series featuring interviews with an exciting line-up of Australia’s treasured Olympians both past and present. Hear these legends tell their stories, detailing every struggle and triumph along the way. Hosted by Australian water polo centre back, and three-time Olympian, Rowena “Rowie” Webster, En Route to Paris showcases intimate conversations, underpinned by the deep mutual respect that exists between fellow elite athletes. As an Olympian, Rowie is able to quickly establish a genuine and supportive rapport before launching into truly insightful conversations that are certain to keep listeners enthralled.
In addition to a variety of other athletes, listeners can expect to hear from three of Harvey Norman’s very own Olympic Brand Ambassadors, including Ariarne Titmus, Jye Edwards, and Sally Fitzgibbons.
In an episode titled, “Ariarne Titmus: Making a Splash,” Rowie sits down with reigning Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, and Australian swimming superstar, Ariarne Titmus. Hear Titmus’ entire athletic journey between relocating from Tasmania to Queensland with her family in 2015 to access better training opportunities, to her respect and admiration filled relationship with former hero, and now fellow swimming legend, Katie Ledecky. Hear her explore the beginning of her swimming career, how she confronts her fear of failure, and the dedication that has been required of her to become an elite athlete.
In “Running with the Pack” Rowie chats with Jye Edwards about what she believes to be the most gruelling athletic discipline there is. As an Olympic middle-distance runner, Edwards knows better than anyone just how taxing the 1500m event can be. Hear Jye describe how he keeps his mind and body sharp training for an event where, once the pain sets in, it never quite lets up. From humble beginnings doing after-school athletics with his siblings to developing the mental fortitude to excel at the highest levels of competition, Edwards’ story is one you won’t want to miss.
Last but not least, “My heart wants it so bad…” documents the passion, lifestyle, and motivations of Sally Fitzgibbons. An athlete whose tremendous journey from a small coastal town south of Sydney to the number one ranked surfer in the world is beyond inspirational, even on its surface. Hear Sally chat about her young dream of becoming an Olympian, her secrets to performing under pressure, and most of all what legacy she wants to leave for the next generation of surfers.
You can find the En Route to Paris podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Once again, Harvey Norman is beyond proud of our ambassadors and of all our tremendous Australian athletes. Keep your eyes tuned to the Australian team and be sure to cheer them on alongside Harvey Norman at the Paris 2024 Games and be sure to check back here for more Olympics and Paralympics 2024 updates!