First Australian to win Olympic road cycling gold — road race gold and pursuit silver at Barcelona 1992
Kathy Watt OAM is the first Australian to win an Olympic road cycling gold medal — at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where she also won silver in the individual pursuit on the track. Across a career spanning 30 years she was a pioneer for women's cycling; her Olympic gold was a turning point for the sport's recognition, prompting the first full-time road program for women at the AIS in Canberra. She has also won national titles in athletics, summer biathlon and rogaining, and she brought a sports science background to her racing, having studied Applied Science at Melbourne University.
Kathy's path was anything but smooth — and that is precisely her material. She overcame injuries from crashes, including third-degree burns requiring surgery before the Atlanta Olympics, selection battles with cycling officialdom that ended other champions' careers, and non-selection in teams where she was the reigning Australian champion. Each time she came back stronger and tactically sharper. She describes road cycling as 'chess on wheels' — a German rival at Barcelona once told her they simply did not know how to beat her, because she could win in any scenario. After her racing career she built businesses in cycling retail and personal training, then launched a new career in sports photography, winning international awards for her Olympic images.
Audiences take away practical lessons in goal setting, mental preparation, visualisation and self-belief — the methods Kathy used with sports psychologists and coaches to win on any course. Her themes of resilience, outsmarting the opposition and working with your strengths translate directly to business teams and individuals chasing ambitious goals. For corporate conferences, sales meetings, sporting events and after-dinner engagements, Kathy Watt offers a pioneer's story told with warmth and substance — how dreams come true through goal setting, hard work and tactical intelligence.
Kathy Watt OAM is a keynote speaker based in Victoria who speaks on inspiration, motivation and resilience. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
By goal setting, hard work and with passion
Kathy's Dad, Geoff Watt, a marathon and ultramarathon runner was her inspiration. He trained with Percy Cerutty in the days of Herb Elliott, John Landy and many great runners at Percy Cerutty's Portsea Training camp. His motto was to always try his hardest and give his best. In Kathy's career as a cyclist she was a pioneer of Women's cycling and had many obstacles to overcome in the male dominated sport. With her fitness from athletics Kathy was able to progress and quickly became Olympic Champion after 6 years. During her career Kathy overcame many set backs including injuries from crashes (3rd degree burns that needed surgery before Atlanta Olympics), selection battles with cycling officialdom which finished many other champions in cycling, non selection in teams where she was Australian Champion. Kathy was able to come back stronger and tactically better to defeat her opponents and win Championships.
Overcoming adversity or setbacks … such as injury, non selection, defeats, etc.
Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation, especially at Olympic and world level
In the lead up to major events Kathy worked with sports psychologists and coaches to create positive statements about what she would achieve in competitions and training. Kathy used visualisation and relaxation techniques. Also trying different race strategies and tactics she put into action at races and developed her self belief that she could win in a variety of ways on any given course. At the Barcelona Olympics one of her German Competitors said “you are great at Climbing, time trialling & sprinting, we’re not sure how to beat you. You can win in any scenario."
Kathy was able to use her background in Sports Science to help her achieve in her sporting career
How to learn from, and outsmart the opposition. In sport or business sometimes you need to be a good actor then implement the winning move without your opposition knowing your plan of attack
Achieve the best outcome to be the best you can be
We recently had the pleasure of having Kathy Watt attend our Weekly Sales Meeting to address our team and speak about her wealth of experience not only as an Olympian, but also as a mentor throughout her career. Kathy's story of determination, will & sheer hard work was received exceptionally well by all staff as there were many parallels to be drawn between the sporting arena and what we do within our business. Kathy was engaging, down to earth and represented an extraordinary true story. We would have no hesitation in recommending Kathy to anyone looking for a great corporate speaker.Director, O'Brien Real Estate – Hampton East / Moorabbin
Kathy not only delivered an entertaining and engaging account of what it takes to be successful at an Olympic level, but also how she has transitioned that into life after her Olympic career. She was also warm and very approachable for members of the public. Kathy also went on to ride with participants and was very open and friendly enjoying the experience, posing for photos and riding with all. If you would like to book her for a corporate function, then I think you will enjoy working with her and the stories she shares. We have had plenty positive of feedback on her participation and we had a more than sell out to our Tapas evening she spoke at, the restaurant had to fins an additional 40 places.Noosa Strade Bianche
I have known Kathy for some forty years, both personally and professionally, being one of her first sponsors in her cycling pursuits....With her vibrant personality, honesty, and vast experience in what is required to succeed, I would not hesitate in recommending Kathy to anyone as a corporate speaker and motivator.National Sales and Marketing Manager (retired), Repco Cycle Co., Giant Bicycle Co.
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