FITZGIBBONS IN CAMP AT THE AIS

Sally Fitzgibbons on a light training jog while at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra last week.

GERROAs sporting prodigy Sally Fitzgibbons attended the Athletics Australia Youth Development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra last week.

The talented 800 and 1500m runner was part of a 79 strong contingent that saw first hand what it is like to live as an elite athlete over the four day camp.

Athletics Australias Marketing Services Coordinator, Nicole Roache caught up with Sally for the Kiama Independent, to see how she enjoyed the experience.

What is it like spending time at the AIS?

Its a great experience, we get to see professional athletes living their day to day lives... hopefully a sneak preview of what might be ahead for me.

And what do you hope that will be?

Sally listening to her distance coach at the AIS Nick Frey, while stretching.

I just want to be a professional athlete.

What is it like learning from the expert coaches and support team?

We are learning different training techniques which is great and approaches for recovery and nutrition. It is things we wouldn't necessarily get outside this environment and that will really help us to improve.

Nicky Frey is my event coach (Distance Running) and she is fantastic.

What are the other athletes like to train and learn with?

Its a good experience for me to see how they train and perform. There certainly is a healthy rivalry in the event groups, it gives you something to test yourself against... but its not too competitive, we are making lots of friends and it is a lot of fun.

How does your athletics training influence your other sports?

Basically it gives me a great base of fitness and endurance. All the sports I do help the other sports in some way. Surfing gives me core strength and balance, soccer, skills and footwork, it just helps you to be a good all round athlete.