Former Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry has reminisced about her successful competitive swimming career with a series of images shared to social media from her time at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Now 30 years on from the career-defining moment, the ‘golden girl of the pool’ reflected on her time in the water at the Barcelona Olympics, stating that “amazing things happen when you work really hard every day with one goal in mind” alongside several images from the event.
“30 years ago today I dived in for the first of many races at the Barcelona Olympics,” she wrote.
Curry then delivered a dose of inspiration to her followers, encouraging everyone to hang on to and pursue their dreams.
“Age 30, with 2 kids. It all starts with a dream. Don’t let anyone take your dreams away. My strength coach Ian King was tough on me, but I liked it. My swim coach Joe King pushed me, and it was great to be able to do something no one else had,” she said.
“Strong, fast but not quite fast enough. Disappointment comes with the game.”
Fans were quick to praise Curry for her incredible career in the pool with many claiming the three-time Olympian served as an inspiration to them.
“We were NEVER disappointed with you Lisa. A champion through and through,” one fan said.
“Such an achievement! I just finished your book and was so inspired by your strength! Such a wonderful role model to our next generations.”
“I would go to swimming lessons and say to myself “Swim like Lisa! Swim like Lisa!” I was 8. Love you Lisa,” another commented.
“Lisa you are as much a role model now as you were then. Xx.”
“No matter where you finished – you are absolutely incredible to watch. More heart than Phar Lap!”
Curry has won 15 gold, seven silver and eight bronze international medals during her career and represented Australia 16 times From 1977 to 1992.
Although Curry’s life has been filled with significant sporting milestones, the swimmer celebrated a different kind of milestone recently after turning 60 on May 15 this year surrounded by her beloved family and close friends.
Curry took to social media to announce the big day, sharing a number of snaps of her alongside close family and friends, including a number of well-known celebrities such as Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson.
She also delivered a special thank you to her husband Mark Tabone for organising the “surprise” celebration in her honour.
“OMG I’M 60,” she wrote.
“My beautiful hubby organised a surprise party with all of my fabulous friends who have been such an amazing part of my very varied life. We had so much fun and way too many cocktails.
“A big night for a big occasion. Bring on the next 30 years. Thank you Mark xxx.”
Curry has reflected further on her professional career as well as her personal life with her personal memoir titled, Lisa: A Memoir – 60 Years of Life, Love and Loss.