The Perfect 10 Podcast

The Perfect 10 Podcast
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Sport
  • Updated Monthly

A series of powerful, personal interviews with game-changers, gold medallists, and rising stars

  1. 31 July

    Ep: 72 Christie Dawes – Seven Paralympics, One Extraordinary Journey

    After an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, seven Paralympic Games and three Paralympic medals, Australian wheelchair racing legend Christie Dawes joins The Perfect 10 for one of the most honest and emotional conversations you'll hear. Just weeks after competing in her final elite race at the Cape Town Marathon, Christie reflects on the journey that began after watching the wheelchair races at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics and led her to become one of Australia's most respected endurance athletes. She speaks candidly about the devastating car accident that changed her life forever, the remarkable Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew who saved her life, and the lifelong friendships forged through the Paralympic movement, including fellow Australian great Angie Ballard. Christie also opens up about the emotional challenges of elite sport, why she's said she "loved it more than it loved her", the physical toll of racing at the highest level, balancing motherhood with international competition, and the realities of competing as a female athlete into her forties. Now embarking on an exciting new chapter, the former World Champion discusses her role with ABC Radio in Newcastle, her move into event management, and why she'll be heading to the New York Marathon this year to experience one of the world's biggest races from behind the scenes. This is a conversation about courage, perspective, resilience and finding purpose beyond the finish line. Listener Discretion is Advised: This episode contains discussions about grief, trauma and the loss of a loved one, from approximately 24-30 minutes that some listeners may find distressing. If this conversation raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  2. 30 June

    Ep: 71 Dream It. Believe It. Live It. Olympic Medallist – Mariafe Artacho del Solar 

    The Perfect 10 welcomes one of Australia's most admired Olympians, Mariafe Artacho del Solar. A three-time Olympian and a medallist on the World's biggest stage, Mariafe takes us inside the unforgettable journey that saw her and Taliqua Clancy claim silver in Tokyo, falling only to what she describes as the "perfect performance" from the United States in the gold medal match. She also reflects on Paris, where Australia finished fourth after an epic three-set battle with Brazil—a contest Mariafe ranks among the greatest matches of her career. Born in Lima, Mariafe arrived in Sydney with her mum as an 11-year-old, unable to speak English, she quickly found her place through sport. It didn't take long for the volleyball world to notice. After filling in alongside her older brother at a tournament at Manly, the teenage prodigy earned selection in Australia's Under-19 team for the World Junior Championships—at just 13 years of age. Her rise wasn't without obstacles. Mariafe was told she was too short to succeed at the highest level, but her talent, determination and competitive spirit proved impossible to ignore. In this inspiring conversation, Mariafe also reveals the power of dreaming big. As a little girl, she wrote down every goal she hoped to achieve, turning them into posters. Today, she believes those dreams became reality because she dared to imagine them first. Admired throughout Australia and especially cherished within the Latino-Australian community, Mariafe has become an icon well beyond the volleyball court. With her love of fashion, effortless elegance and authentic personality, she's built a loyal following on social media while remaining grounded and deeply connected to her family. Could there be one more Olympic chapter in 2028 Summer Olympics... or even a home Games in 2032, Mariafe hasn't closed the door. But for now, her greatest joy isn't measured in medals. It's her young son, Luka. This is a conversation about resilience, belief, family, and chasing your dreams - from Peru to the Olympic podium. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  3. 13 June

    Ep: 70 Liesl Tesch – The Paralympic Legend Who Changed The Game

    Before there were professional pathways, before wheelchair basketball received the recognition it deserved, Liesl Tesch was changing the game.A five-time Paralymian in wheelchair basketball, a three-time Paralympic medallist, and later a two-time Paralympic gold medallist in sailing, Liesl's sporting résumé is almost impossible to comprehend. She became the first woman in the world to play professional wheelchair basketball, competing against men in Europe and helping pave the way for generations of female athletes who followed.But medals and milestones only tell part of the story. Liesl joins The Perfect 10 to reflect on a remarkable journey that has taken her from regional New South Wales to the world's biggest sporting stages. She shares the challenges of growing up with a disability, the mentors who shaped her life, the evolution of Paralymic sport, and the lessons she's learned from a lifetime of resilience, courage and determination.This is a conversation about breaking barriers, redefining what's possible, and using sport to create lasting change. Liesl Tesch AM is one of Australia's greatest Paralymians, a sporting pioneer who rightly sits in both the Basketball Australia and Sailing Australia Hall of Fame. Liesl now serves as the Member for Gosford in the New South Wales Parliament, where she continues to champion inclusion, opportunity and community. This is an episode you'll never forget. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  4. 31 May

    Ep: 69 Emily Husband – From Mariners Coaching Masterclass to Matildas Mission

    Episode #69 of The Perfect 10 features one of the brightest coaching minds in world football — Emily Husband, Assistant Coach of the CommBank Matildas and a woman whose extraordinary journey has taken her from the terraces of Leeds to the biggest stage in international sport. Born in the UK, Emily fell in love with football as a little girl. Her Dad was a passionate Leeds United season ticket holder, and weekends were spent immersed in the atmosphere of Premier League and Europa League football. The game quickly became an obsession. Emily played senior football in England before a move to the United States sparked a new chapter — coaching. It proved to be the perfect fit. Since arriving in Australia, Husband’s rise has been remarkable. She built a powerhouse program at Sydney University under the guidance of her mentor John Curran - before taking on one of the toughest jobs in the A-League Womens competition — building the Central Coast Mariners from the ground up. What followed was extraordinary. In their very first season, the Mariners stormed into the Finals Series. One year later, Emily guided the club to the Championship, defeating powerhouse clubs Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory on the way to Grand Final glory. Her tactical brilliance, unwavering belief, and the culture she created transformed the Mariners into one of the great success stories in Australian sport. Now, alongside Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro, Emily is helping guide Australia’s favourite sporting team towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. This is a conversation about leadership, high performance, culture, resilience, and an all-consuming love of one sporting code. Emily laughs that she’s a “one-sport pony,” but her passion for helping players unlock their full potential is what truly defines her. An inspiring story from one of the game’s most respected coaches — a trailblazer -this is Emily Husband on The Perfect 10. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  5. 11 May

    Ep:68 Lisa Weightman – The Wonder Woman of Australian Marathon Running

    Four-time Olympian. Commonwealth Games medallist. World Championships representative. And now one of the very few athletes on the planet to complete all 7 World Marathon Majors. This week on The Perfect 10, Lisa Weightman joins award-winning host Steve Allan for a fascinating conversation about resilience, longevity and performing at the highest level for more than two decades. Lisa reflects on the coaches and mentors who shaped her journey — including the legendary Dick Telford — the influence of her Dad, balancing elite sport with a successful business career, and why so many are now calling her ‘Wonder Woman.’ While 2024 presented enormous challenges, this conversation focuses on perspective, growth and the remarkable chapter Lisa is writing right now. An inspiring and honest chat with one of Australia’s most respected athletes. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  6. 3 May

    EP:67 “The Wingless Warrior” Kerry-Lee Gockel

    Born Without Arms. Built Without Limits Kerry-Lee Gockel — known as The Wingless Warrior — is living proof that resilience isn’t a buzzword, it’s a way of life. In this extraordinary episode, Kerry-Lee shares her journey of growing up with congenital amelia and refusing to let it define her. From developing a love of swimming to conquering marathon distances—spending over six hours in open water—her story is one of relentless determination, grit, and courage. But this isn’t just about endurance. It’s about mindset. It’s about community. It’s about the tribe that lifts you when it matters most. A double degree in law and business. An in-demand public speaker. A driver—using her feet. And a human being who redefines what’s possible. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a perspective shift. “The Wingless Warrior” might just change the way you see your own limits. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  7. 8 Apr

    Ep: 66 From Ironman Champion to Coaching King

    From a kid growing up in Tannum Sands, chasing surf and competition with 12-hour round trips, to standing atop the sport as both an athlete and coach—this is the story of Michael King. A champion Ironman in his own right, Michael conquered the Coolangatta Gold and claimed the Ironman Series against one of the strongest fields ever assembled. But it was a pivotal move to Sydney that helped shape the next chapter of an already remarkable career. As a coach, his journey has been anything but linear. At Mooloolaba, he worked alongside some of the greatest names in surf lifesaving and built the foundations of the King Ironman Academy. There were highs… and there were challenges. His stint at Currumbin Vikings marked the lowest point of his career—but it also set the stage for one of the great comebacks. Now at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, Michael has cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s elite coaches. The result? An historic clean sweep in the Open Ironman at the National Titles—something never achieved in 111 years. This is a story of passion, resilience, and a life-long love for the sport. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

  8. 15 Mar

    Ep: 65 Ali Day – From Kiama to King of the Coolangatta Gold

    Few athletes in surf sports history have dominated like Ali Day. Raised in Kiama, Day chased his surf lifesaving dream north — first to Mooloolaba, and eventually to the powerhouse Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, where he has built one of the most remarkable careers the sport has seen. Day became the undisputed king of the legendary Coolangatta Gold, winning the gruelling endurance classic 11 times— an extraordinary record in one of the toughest races in sport. But his legacy stretches far beyond the Gold. A World Ironman Champion, a six-time winner of the Ironman Series, 4 x Australian Ironman champion, Day has spent more than a decade at the very top of the sport. Now, as he prepares to bring the curtain down on a stellar career just shy of his 36th birthday, Day has delivered one more remarkable chapter — claiming this year’s Shaw and Partners Ironman Series title in spectacular fashion at Miami Beach. And there's one last chapter to be written. In a fortnight, he’ll chase another National Ironman crown at The Aussies at North Kirra. In this episode of The Perfect 10, Ali reflects on the journey from the South Coast to the Gold Coast, the mindset behind dominating the Coolangatta Gold, and the moments when even he wondered if the streak might end. He also speaks about life beyond the surf — and the support of his family, wife Kel and their two boys Danny and Andy. It’s the story of endurance, evolution and one of the greatest careers surf sports has ever seen. Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

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A series of powerful, personal interviews with game-changers, gold medallists, and rising stars

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