Five Minutes with … Kurt Herzog

With his eyes set on next year’s FINA World Championships and the home Commonwealth Games in 2018, Kurt Herzog is one to watch.

A world championship bronze medallist, Kurt underwent shoulder surgery in May 2016 completing extensive rehab at the NSWIS Training Centre with the NSWIS Performance Team staff. Kurt’s recovery is going well as he embarks on the year ahead.

In my spare time I like to…

Surf, bush trek, take my dog for a walk…anything outdoors!

What inspired you to start a career in sport?

My twin brother – we were always competitive in sport during our younger years. Also all of my close mates who loved sport and of course the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games that was on when I was eight years old.

What sporting achievements are you most proud of?

Qualifying for my first Australian team last year in the 4x200m freestyle relay for the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia and achieving bronze alongside Olympic legend Grant Hackett.

What do you do in your training that you believe is the key to your success?

I do a lot of planning around the little things involved in my training like stretching/mobility programs, nutrition and recovery techniques to ensure I can back up from hard sessions and keep progressing.

Are there any athletes that inspire you?

Grant Brits who got bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics – I went to the same school as Grant so that was inspiring!

What is one thing most people would not know about you?

I’ve previously been involved with the sport of Lifesaving and won the 200m Obstacles event at the 2012 World Championships/Rescue 2012 that was held in Adelaide.