YALE STEINEPREIS HAS BEEN A NATIONAL PADDLE TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FOR AUSTRALIA SINCE 2015.
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WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPORT?
I chose my sport as my grandma was heavily involved in kayaking when I was growing up which was something I used to go and watch her do. It was through her involvement that when I was 16 she informed me of a Talent Identification process which ultimately funnelled me into the sprint kayaking pathway.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT KEEPS YOU GETTING UP EVERY MORNING?
I am motivated by my desire to learn and experience as much as I can in whatever I do. I constantly want to be better which motivates me to move the goalpost that little bit further every day.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE HAD TO FACE IN YOUR SPORT, AND WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU?
Probably one of the toughest challenges I have had to face was not always believing in myself sometimes due to not always being recognised as having what it takes to make it but also myself not recognising the importance of having individual differences as an athlete. I spent a lot of time when I was younger thinking that I needed to be exactly like other athletes for me to be a great paddler and that there was only one type of athlete. Once I was able to work on this incorrect narrative I learnt that my strengths combined with the individual attributes of my teammates were capable of making a boat one of the best in the world which we saw last year.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE, AND WHY?
My most memorable performance to date would be the K4 500 last year at the 2022 Senior World Championships where my team and I got silver. Being a newly established crew with very little expectation of any great results at what was 3 or the 4 girls' first Senior Worlds was unbelievable and actually history-making for Australia. Such an amazing moment shared between the 4 of us and our coach which is something we will never forget.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNGER ATHLETES ENTERING THE SPORT ASPIRING GREATNESS ON THE WORLD STAGE?
My biggest advice would be to make sure you find value and enjoyment in your daily activities and to always remember how sport is a privilege. I am grateful to do what I do but I don't personally love race week however the moments, learnings and memories that I make in the lead-up to my races are what make this journey worth it regardless of the end result.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR SPORT? INTERESTS? CAREER?
Outside of sport my absolute favourite thing to do is be with my dog, Fisher. I am also currently studying the post graduate Juris Doctor at Griffith University so most of my spare time is filled with keeping on top of my law studies amongst everything else!
