Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program
The NSWIS has recently released a series called “Lights Up.” One of the featured athletes is our very own Mackenzie Little, (Pymble alumni 2014). This is a five-part series on Mackenzie, where she discusses a number of key principles that played a role in her reaching the top in her sport. I highly recommend watching the short five-part series. Mackenzie shares some fabulous messages for all young students and athletes. Each video is about 2 to 3 minutes in length.
In Part 1, “Finding Balance” https://youtu.be/scsu0BbIM-I?si=ojw7TT8GU_4ap46Q, Mackenzie discusses how her parents never pushed her in any way. During school, she played soccer, softball, water polo, hockey, and even the trumpet. She emphasises the importance of education because success in sports is not guaranteed. She summed up the importance of balance with the following closing quote:
“I feel very strongly about the fact that when you have multiple elements to your identity and your life, when you’re playing music and sport and studying and have a healthy social life, and the kind of support you get from your family, it all comes together into a very well-rounded, resilient person and I’ve absolutely seen that in periods where that’s balanced, I am thriving the most.”
In Part 2, “Perspective Meets Drive” https://youtu.be/UmD69mcnx4Y?si=iRPa0d9iCM6_MNZf, Mackenzie is adamant that early specialisation in sport can be detrimental to a child’s development. She encourages children to explore various sports, as it helps prevent over-training, burnout, and injuries. Her own experience playing multiple sports, like soccer and water polo, improved her overall athleticism. Mackenzie also emphasises the importance of mental training, crediting a sports psychologist in college for turning her mental approach into a genuine strength.
In Part 3, “An American Tale” https://youtu.be/uSD3gWjv1Fw?si=VOwWZTHXCf0_LcnI, Mackenzie talks about her journey and how she ended up attending a college in the USA. She admits she almost quit athletics at the beginning of attending medical school in Sydney due to grieving the life she enjoyed in the US. Her time in America allowed her to make great friends, form an affinity with the country, and recognise the unparalleled opportunities of the US college system for excelling in both athletics and academics.
In Part 4, “Dr. Little’s Great Expectations” https://youtu.be/H8Guu3Aq3-I?si=XFC9stt20URub4xa, Mackenzie knew from an early age that she wanted to study medicine, influenced by her parents who were both doctors. Balancing her medical studies with elite athletics, she showcased her determination and discipline by traveling to Europe five times in 2023 to compete in the Diamond League meets and making the final. The fatigue she felt in her first weeks as a doctor was unlike anything she had experienced before.
In the final Part 5, “No Plan B” https://youtu.be/bIODwhWeFWA?si=s96eiecl8rRL9XYx, Mackenzie’s confidence was boosted after qualifying for the final at the COVID-impacted Tokyo Olympics. Realising that no one is invincible, she drew self-belief from knowing her competitors were also human. This newfound confidence led her to win the bronze medal at the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships, marking a new phase in her career where she not only desires results but believes she deserves them due to her hard work and commitment.
Enjoy watching the five-part series, and fingers crossed that we see Mackenzie on the medal podium in Paris. She will have an army of scarlet, navy, and white students, staff, and parents cheering her on.
Skye Halliday
Co-ordinator – Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program