​Exclusive interview with @_Liamstone_

NCAA champion, New Zealand diver, overcoming recent health set backs to return to the World stage.

As he gears up to compete at the World Championships in Korea today, I got to talk to Liam before he competes and dig a little deeper for some more personal insight. 
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I’ve had the privilege to get to know Liam, witnessed his set backs and most recently watched him overcome and battle through a health concern that nearly stopped him from carrying on with his dream to compete at the very highest level. “Getting hit with low testosterone levels and illness last year, which I think I'm still overcoming really and having to realise that things have not gone the way that i had imagined and accepting that. That has possibly been my biggest obstacle to overcome”


If there is one thing for sure with Liam, is his heart is fully invested in making his dream a reality. His kind perceived quite nature is underlined with fierce drive to do what he loves. It’s a joy to watch his story unfold. All the best Liam today and on your journey.

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Monique: Travelling the world as an athlete you get to visit many incredible places, so lets warm up with whats you favourite country visited?


Russia. I really like Moscow, it really was quite different to any other places I've been.


Monique: What are your favourite things to do outside of diving?


I enjoy visiting the beach, getting outside and being in nature. Especially living in a county like New Zealand.


Monique: What excites you the most about being an athlete?


I think, the opportunity to truly go through a journey on bettering yourself in all different aspects. Becoming the best version that you can be.


Monique: What is your greatest strength?


Pause. I like to think i can adapt quite well. Especially with people. Ability to be able to adapt to them.


Monique: What is your greatest weakness?


Long pause. laughs. Probably, over thinking and struggling to let things go sometimes. Over analysing things can be a weakness.


Monique: What motivates you?


Really thinks. Things that make me feel better, or things that serve me and give me value.


Monique: You’ve overcome many obstacles as an athlete, can you tell me about one of those challenging situations, and how did you overcome it?


Getting hit with low testosterone levels and illness last year, which think I'm still overcoming really. Having to realise that things have not gone the way that i had imagined and accepting that. Looking at it and having ask myself, what can i do? What can i control? And looking to accept that things take time and patience. 


Monique: How do you deal with pressure as an athlete?


I suppose it depends from where. I think the most pressure i get is from myself. Just looking at, have i done everything within my control. And if so, then knowing there is nothing more i can do. So chill out abit. It is what it is.


Monique: What achievement are you most proud of?


Thinks. laughs. In diving. At a conference competition that I won. It was more about the competition being at home. the whole family were watching. The full atmosphere of the event, i managed to hold it together and perform when i needed to and i was able to share it with everyone. 


Monique: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?


I think i can still see myself diving. But I see myself diving because I want to be diving and maybe its more of an edition to my life. I think, potentially, since now I've been exploring different opportunities with helping people, so something around that. I think though in regards to diving I’d definitely be involved and I wouldn't rule out more studies maybe. If there were a masters that intrigued me, i wouldn't rule it out.