I had the privilege of working closely with Tony for five transformative years, and his mentorship has been pivotal in shaping the athlete and person I am today.
When we first met, I was a shy 17-year-old who thought I was already doing everything I could to reach my potential. But Tony showed me how much more was possible. He introduced me to new ways of pushing beyond limits, helping me squeeze out those crucial extra 1% gains from my mind, body, and performance, and challenging me to become more present and intentional in my training and competition.
As the leader of the Sky Scholarship Programme, Tony was dedicated to helping a select group of athletes reach their fullest potential, with many aiming for the Olympic stage. I was incredibly fortunate to have him as my sports mentor. Our regular calls became essential checkpoints, where he guided me not only through the triumphs but also through the setbacks. Tony taught me how to navigate both with resilience and grace.
With his background in elite sports and his deep understanding of what it takes to succeed, Tony and I worked closely to push my boundaries. From media training to handling intense pressure, his mentorship was a constant source of strength and confidence. I truly believe his guidance played a key role in helping me become the World Champion in 2019.
Tony is not just a phenomenal mentor but a remarkable person who gives his all to those he supports. Even after the scholarship programme ended, he stayed in touch and has continued to be there for me both as a mentor and as a friend. It’s an honour to have him in my corner, and I am endlessly grateful for his belief in me and his unwavering support.