As one of the greatest high-achieving sportspeople from east Auckland, there have been many accolades in Barbara Kendall’s illustrious careers and roles in sport.
What does the latest, Olympian for Life, mean to you?
I just feel proud to receive this accolade as it’s recognising the years of service to the Olympic movement outside of being an athlete in advocating for athletes worldwide, women in sport, Oceania Island athletes and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. To be recognised beside Jessie Owens is pretty epic.
How was the 33rd Olympiad in Paris, France?
Incredible. Paris did an amazing job organising the Games. There was such a buzz amongst the athletes, fans and 45,000 volunteers. Every stadium, event, Champions Park and all the fan zones were full with everyone celebrating.
Did you attend different events, including sailing at Marseille?
I spent the first week of the Games in Tahiti, as I’m a vice-president of the International Surfing Association. To be up close to the Teahupo’o wave and to watch the best surfers in the world surf up close was amazing.
What do you think of the iQFOiL board sailing, compared to the RS:X previously used?
The IQ foil has changed windsurfing as a sport. It’s so much faster, therefore changing the way to race. It’s fantastic for the sport and wish I was 30 years younger so I could have raced on this equipment.
What was your favourite moment/s of Paris 2024?
Watching the surfing on the day we got huge waves. Seeing this wave in its full glory was insane. Then watching the beach volleyball with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, especially when it lit up at sunset, and finally seeing Lisa Carrington win her three gold medals in the canoe sprint. I have such respect for Lisa and all she has achieved, but most of all what a fantastic humble human she is.
Are you still involved in sporting organisations? In what capacities?
Vice-president of the International Surfing Association for the past 10 years. I’m also a global master trainer for the International Olympic Committee Athletes 365 Career+ programme. I’ve been involved in this programme since 2009 piloting it in Oceania first and now we have over 30 trainers delivering the programme worldwide in nine languages and influenced over 15,000 athletes.
Who is/are your favourite sports people, and why?
I’m loving seeing the new generation of younger female athletes that are now representing New Zealand like Ellesse Andrews, Maddi Wesche, Erika Fairweather and Eliza McCartney. They are incredible role models, all humble and positive.
Do you still sail? And if so, in/on what?
I still sail for fun. I wing foil now and funnily enough the national champion at the moment – not bad for an old duck.
You’ve sailed in many places around the world. Are there any favourite spots?
I love New Zealand. Not so much in the winter, but in the summer, New Zealand is one of the most amazing places in the world with so much variety.
What was great about growing up at Bucklands Beach?
Growing up in Pedersen Place, which was a cul-de-sac street. Playing with all the kids from our street. Playing games – tiggy, go home stay home, hop-scotch, making huts, putting on shows. I had such a great time being a kid.
What do you do when away from involvement in sport?
I’m a performance coach working in the corporate world running workshops for businesses and their people. I work with clients on improvement and awareness of their communication, leadership, culture, resilience, purpose and success. I love this work and seeing the difference it makes to my clients in all areas of their lives.
If it hadn’t been a life in sport, what do you think you would have pursued?
Funnily enough, I’m doing exactly what I would have pursued. Teaching and empowering people.
