ALY BULL

KAYAKING
2-TIME OLYMPIAN

ALY BULL IS A 2-TIME OLYMPIAN, WORLD CHAMPION AND HAS BEEN A NATIONAL PADDLE TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FOR AUSTRALIA SINCE 2015. ALY IS BASED IN THE GOLD COAST.

Paddle Australia | Australian Olympic Committee | Instagram

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPORT?
I chose my sport of sprint kayaking after learning to kayak to improve my ski leg in Surf Lifesaving. I was in the professional Surf Ironwoman Series when I realised my dream of competing at the Olympic Games would be possible if I focused on Kayaking.

WHEN DID YOU FULLY COMMIT TO TARGETING THE OLYMPICS?
I fully committed to chasing the Olympic Dream in January 2015. I stopped competing heavily in Surf Lifesaving, moved out of home on the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast to train with the squad at the AIS facility in Pizzey Park.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE, AND WHY?
I had a memorable World Championships in 2022. We got a silver medal in the K4 500, not quite an hour later I finished 5th in the K1 500m. The next day I won the K1 1000m and the Mixed K2 500m an hour later.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YOU'VE HAD TO FACE IN YOUR SPORT AND WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU?
Most recent challenge for me was at the start of 2022 I tore ligaments in my wrist competing in the surf. I had to have 6 weeks off the water and modify my training while being in a splint. It wasn’t the start to the season I was hoping, but we had a solid plan from my support staff at Paddle Australia, and worked hard on the bike in heat instead of on the water and spent time in the gym working on the little things. Got back in the boat about a month before the World Cups started. Ended up having the best season of my career so far. It taught me that things don’t always go according to Plan A but there is always a plan B and C. Do what you can and trust the people around you are doing everything they can to help you.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT KEEPS YOU GETTING UP EVERY MORNING?
I aim to be better than I was yesterday. I strive to be among the top sprint kayakers.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNGER ATHLETES ENTERING THE SPORT ASPIRING GREATNESS ON THE WORLD STAGE?
Enjoy what you do. When you are happy within yourself and what you are doing it goes a long way.

WHAT ARE FIVE OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS TO GET YOU IN THE ZONE?
Unstoppable - The Score Stronger - The Score Phenomenal - Eminem Lose Yourself - Eminem

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR SPORT? INTERESTS? CAREER?
Outside of Sprint Kayaking, i am a full time Firefighter with the QLD Fire Service. I also compete in Surf Life Saving and am currently in the Nutri-Grain Iron Series.

Career Highlights

  • 2022 - World Championship - Gold K1 1000
  • 2022 - World Championship - Gold Mixed K2 500
  • 2022 - World Championship - Silver K4 500
  • 2022 - World Championship - 5th K1 500
  • 2021 - Tokyo Olympics - 5th K2 500m
  • 2021 - Tokyo Olympics - 16th K1 500m
  • 2018 - World Surf Ski Champion
  • 2017 - U23 K1 1000m World Champion
  • 2016 - Rio Olympics 8th K2 500m
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