Benn Harradine – Olympic Cricket Series in Stockholm

How did you end up as an Australian Olympic athlete in Sweden?

I had to be European in the races because I often competed in the Diamond League and the IAAF meets all over Europe. I was in Germany for seven years, but I met my Swedish bride at a training camp in Australia and we decided to move to Sweden.

What was the highlight of your career?

I have a couple really. Throwing an area record on Father’s Day at a World Cup with my father in Split, Croatia. This was one of the best races I have ever enjoyed.

The other competed in the London Olympics 2012, among 110,000 people, my brother and his wife and 2 sons, my mother and father and one of my first coaches there too! The propeller was also a participant for my bride. He swam to Sweden, so we got to share one of the biggest moments of our career together. Memories forever.

Why did you make the transition from high performance athletics to cricket?

For me, it’s all about development. The opportunity to be exposed to new environments and new challenges is always an opportunity to grow. In Australia, we were born with a cricket stick in our hands, it’s a transition ritual to play backyard cricket and then evolve into a real cricket nut. I have gained so much knowledge during my athletic career and have had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s greatest coaches and organizations, so I hope to be able to use this knowledge and enable cricket is booming In Europe!

How has your life changed since the Covid19 situation?

It hasn’t really changed to be honest. My garden looks much better and I appreciate a hug when I get a chance to have one. The only thing I really miss is social contact and the opportunity to travel. My family is on the other side of the globe, so the trip home to Australia was cut short by this pandemic.

Positively, what is the best part? If anything ?!

You spend more time with your family and we prioritize things that we often take for granted. It’s been fun to get small projects to try or finish that have hung. My partner and I bought a house that was built in the 18th century, so we’ve been doing things slowly and improving parts for which we didn’t have much time due to a busy schedule and commute.

What are you doing more these days? And less?

I train much less. No more 13 sessions a week, 15,000 throws a year and tons and tons of weight lifting. I spend more time practicing to feel good, and less time chasing extra distance for my throws. I also spend more time in nature, looking for new challenges and less time in suitcases, planes and hotels.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration right now?

It is and will always be my family. You know, I’m fascinated by how they managed to grow myself and my brothers into the people we are today. My father was my coach for many years during my athletics and I can honestly say that the steps he and my mother took to take care of myself and my brother are incomprehensible. If I can somehow follow my parents ’formula for raising a family and securing strong values ​​in my children, I am incredibly happy.

Tune the Dream11 European Cricket series to live events in Stockholm from Monday via the European Cricket Network – www.ecn.cricket – the digital home of European cricket and the transition platform for live streaming of European cricket, live scores and statistics available online and on mobile platforms.

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