This week we're rewinding the clock back to August of 2022 when we sat down with Eliza McCartney.

Eliza is a professional pole vaulter and one of the very best in the world. 

At the time of recording, her career had stalled after an unfortunate run of injuries.

She'd burst onto the scene as a 19-year old, taking home bronze from the Rio Olympics, before winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and smashing indoor and outdoor Oceania records. 

But then the setbacks started.

In this episode we talked about the mental and physical struggle of dealing with her injuries - and how she was rebuilding, going to school with Lorde, the time she accidentally stumbled on a nude beach, why her coach made her tell a joke each week, her rise to the top of the pole vaulting world and the whirlwind of fame that followed her Olympic bronze. 

Today, aged 27, she's back to full fitness and has qualified for the Paris Olympics - where she will compete in August.

Eliza is such good company and we both really loved this chat. In the second half we go quite deep on the injury situation, and you’ll get a really clear picture of what a tough few years it had been for her. This was her first ever podcast appearance, and we’re really grateful she came on to share her story. 

We’re also super stoked to tell you about the business we’ve built. If you’d like to hire one of our incredible guests to speak at or MC your event, check out our epic lineup at B2Bspeakers.co.nz and get in touch.

This episode is brought to you by TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on!

Listen on iheart or wherever you get your podcasts from, or watch the video on Youtube. 

Enjoy.