The statistics, awards, selections, accolades, medals and achievements speak for themselves. Clare Polkinghorne, a tenacious, tough and effective defender for both Australia (Matildas) and Brisbane Roar (W-League), has played 26 internationals and over one-hundred W-League games. She is Captain of both the national team and her club team the Roar (where she has been club Captain since the team’s inception).
Clare Polkinghorne has led Brisbane to two Championships and two Premierships and led the team in no less than five Grand Finals. She has been a permanent selection in the Australian Matildas side since 2007 and was part of Australia’s Asian Cup winning team of 2010. Despite her achievements and role as Australian Captain, Polkinghorne is known for her humility and lack of fuss. Her commitment to hard-work and life-long learning set an example to her team-mates for both Brisbane and Australia.
Here Clare Polkinghorne fills us in on some of the most important things in her life… some of the things that make her what she is.
My parents
My parents have always been my biggest supporters. They have influenced me but also let me learn things on my own. They have been two living examples of what it means to be an honest, hard-working, caring and thoughtful human being.
The Olympics
My first experience of the Olympics was watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics on TV as an 11-year-old. From that moment, I had dreamt of becoming an Olympian and reaching the pinnacle of a given sport. This ignited my passion for sport and for the pursuit of excellence
Coffee
I love how versatile coffee is. Having coffee with mates as a social outing. Having coffee while being immersed in a book. Having coffee as a pick me up during the day. I love trying new cafes but also love my local spots.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This book is the best book I have read. It is a powerful, emotive and confronting book that uncovers just how much humans are capable of enduring. It’s probably the first book to really have a lasting impact on me.
Football
Ever since I was 5 years old, football has opened so many doors for me and has provided opportunities that otherwise would not have presented themselves. I have been lucky to experience some incredible things through football.
Roger Federer
He epitomises what it means to be an athlete, a real professional in his sport. He is able to appear calm at the most critical times and he is in control of his mind and body. I have always admired the way he plays tennis, but also how he conducts himself as an athlete.
Mums Roast
In addition to being delicious, mums roast usually means the whole family is together. Whether it be a celebration, or someone returning home, a roast signifies a special occasion and it signifies the family coming together and enjoying each other’s company.
Learning
The more I learn, the more I realise I little I know. This has been important for me as it has shown me that there is always room for growth as an individual. It is important to never stop learning.
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