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Inspire SeriesFormer Australian OlympianElka WhalanAttitude in life is everything.PASSIONATE ABOUT WOMEN, RELATIONSHIPS, MOTHERHOOD AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS1. WHO ENCOURAGED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR SPORT?I am one of four children, so growing up I would go along to swimming training to watch my older sister and brother. Living on the Northern Beaches you’re surroundedby water. So Nippers at Under 5’s and swim lessons started young because I loved it and for Mum and Dad it was important we did things as a family but also knew our water safety. I have super long legs so I remember winning the State Under 7’s wade at Nnippers for Manly and my parents laughed because the water was only ankle deep for me. My costumes never fitted me as my legs were little twigs. Manly Swim Centre and Manly Nippers were our locals so many dear friendships formed.2. WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND AND HOW DID IT INFLUENCE YOUR SUCCESS?I attended Balgowlah Heights Public School along with all my siblings, they were andstill are sports oriented and I loved being involved in everything: playing handball early morning at school, netball practice and long jump – it was endless fun. When I was in Year 4 I jumped up and told everyone for show and tell I was going to the Olympics for Swimming so already at age 9 I believed it.I went to Mackellar Girls High School, the motto being “Mackellar girls can do any- thing.” Again it was highly sport oriented and I dabbled in so much softball, soccer and hockey. Swimming always came naturally to me. One incident I do remember was sitting down telling a prominent staff member Iwww.livinglocalguide.com.au