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:beatrice faumuina average of 85-95 participants a week. It was just brilliant!" she gushes. The successful athlete's life is ruled by the irrefutable desire to give back. Her conversations are often laced with gratitude for the people who have supported her. "I am very mindful of the people who allowed me to achieve my goals. My first coach, the late Mirian Stanley, was always there for me when I needed her support and advice. Though she was very busy with her family, she welcomed us into her world. I hope one day I can return this act of kindness for someone. If Miriam had not agreed to coach me I may not have become a discus thrower. I also played softball and netball, representing Auckland in all three sports while at Lynfield college.'' "After 20 years of competing internationally for New Zealand, I'd like to think I have learnt many valued lessons that would be beneficial for the next generation of discus throwers. I'd love to be involved with an Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games in some way," says the winner who took it all! Beatrice will be watching the New Zealand team perform at the 2012 London Olympics closely, and is confident they will compete with distinction, "Provided there are no injuries," she cautions. "I'm feeling really positive about the New Zealand team's chances." Talking about the dramatic highs and lows that have destroyed many a sporting career, New Zealand's favourite daughter opens up about the rough time she went through when she almost threw in the towel. "The 1996 Olympics was my first Olympic campaign and almost my last. I now know that I didn't have the training or the experience that was needed to compete well there. I did not reach the final and returned home feeling very disappointed. I wanted to walk away from the sport. So I spoke with my mother about it at length and she asked me, 'Would you be able to live with the regrets if you left the sport?' Then she asked, 'Do you believe you have fulfilled your potential to achieve?'" "In less than a year everything, changed," she states with a smile. "It was an incredibly moving moment when I became New Zealand's first World Champion on August 7, 1997. There were so many emotions – excitement, relief, joy, happiness, being overwhelmed. I was really thankful that I was able to compete at that level and intensity after a disappointing Olympics," she relates. 12 | www.hermagazine.co.nz Apart from the sporting field there have been many more memories of pure, unadulterated joy for the sporting phenomena with a fierce hunger for life. Bursting with excitement she talks about her current role as the inaugural CEO for BEST Pasifika Leadership Academy and Charitable Foundation. "We are committed to developing the next generation of Pasifika leaders for Aotearoa. The BEST Leadership Programme is in partnership with the University of Auckland. There is no doubt in my mind our Leadership Programme provides a solution and a pathway to identify key Pasifika men and women whose goal is to aspire to Senior Executive roles. I've seen already the positive influence and transformational shift within our 2011 inaugural cohort. I have been blessed to meet and work with incredible leaders, pioneering sponsors and companies that share the same purpose." Beatrice points out that competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games was the original plan. "This was going to be my final year of representing New Zealand. Instead, an incredible opportunity was presented instead. As an athlete I had always worked towards a life after sport, which meant working part- time and/or completing papers towards my business degree. I did this so when the time came to retire I was not left wondering what to do next. I'd always hoped that the transition from being an athlete to working full-time would not be too difficult. Plus, I knew that I would have to be incredibly "We are committed to developing the next generation of Pasifika leaders for Aotearoa." patient because sport is constantly measured by a specific date, time and distance whereas in business there are many more complexities to understand and learn from. There was no prior championship to compare your performances to, so let the journey begin. "Sadly, I feel many sports people may not be given the opportunity to prepare for life after sport. So when I received a phone call from Mai Chen, founding partner of Chen Palmer and Best Public Law Firm for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and Anita Finnigan, Director of BEST, Pacific Institute of Education to share their vision of changing and enhancing the lives of the Pasifika community, I really could not say no. Instead, my response was 'Yes and how,' " she says reliving the moment. The Best Leadership Programme is an 18-month offering that unlocks the limitations of, and develops the leadership mindset and skill set that will define and develop our Pasifika leaders both professionally and personally. The programme offers two business acumen papers at the University of Auckland and a Distinguished Leadership Speakers series. "This is our public offering. We have hosted Tony Falkenstein, CEO Just Water International and Kevin Roberts, Worldwide CEO Saatchi & Saatchi. Plus, we have a Pasifika Mat Series and mentoring. Go to www.bestleaders.ac.nz for more information," she informs. If you ask her about the milestones that mark her career and back comes the reply "There have been many, but the best is yet to come! It's a work-in-progress!" The sporting legend is visibly moved when she talks about having the honour of being featured on a Samoan stamp. "I'm just a girl from New Zealand who started in humble beginnings," she says choking with emotion. "I just feel incredibly honoured and overwhelmed by this recognition. The words 'Thank you' seem inadequate to express how grateful I am!" Farida Master www.best.ac.nz