Barbara Kendall
Olympic Games: Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 Olympic
Medals: 3 (Gold 1992, Silver 1996, Bronze 2000)
Bio
Boardsailing Champion Barbara Kendall was one of the most enduring and successful New Zealand sportswomen, and one of New Zealand’s best-performed female Olympians.
DOB: 30 August 1967
Q&A
What inspired you to get into Board Sailing?
My brother as he had just won the bronze medal in 1984. My older sister also windsurfed and we took on the journey together.
Who was your athlete inspiration and why?
Nadia Commenchi was my first memory of the Olympic Games, seeing her on TV when I was about 10, I thought that she was just a bit older than me so that meant I could go to the Olympics in a few years time if I started Gymnastics straight away - I flipped and flopped!! So when my sport became Olympic in 1992 for the first time my dream was able to become true.
Who is your personal inspiration and why?
My inspiration came from my parents - they allowed me to be who I wanted to be and to follow dreams that were against the odds and against what was a normal up bringing. Always encouraging me to follow my dreams, passions and interests. They modeled hard work and great family values but adventurous spirits.
How do you think our athletes inspire New Zealand?
Athletes from NZ go up against the odds to become the worlds best. They have to spend months and months overseas training with the best and make big sacrifices financially in education and family - so they are big risk takers in the hope of winning an Olympic Medal. New Zealanders love being inspired by risk takers that go against the odds and achieve. They admire that spirit, commitment and humility.
