Resilience and Perseverance across all sports
Perseverance is the ability to keep moving forward towards your goals, even when you’re faced with setbacks, pressure, or self-doubt. When it’s time to step up, you don’t walk away, you lean in, push harder, and keep going.
Resilience is what allows you to adapt, reset, and rise again after those tough moments. It shows up across every sport - whether you’re on a field, a court, in a pool, or on a track. At ICONS, we see it as the strength to get back up, refocus, and keep fighting for what you love.
At a young age, one of the biggest challenges in sport is simply not giving up. It’s learning when to push through, when to ask for help, and when to take a moment to reset.
You’re not alone: Every athlete, no matter their sport or level, has faced moments where they’ve had to dig deep - finding courage, belief, and determination when it matters most. Their stories are a reminder that tough times are part of the journey, not the end of it.
Explore their stories below for inspiration, perspective and a powerful reminder:
GEORGIA GODWIN
NEVER GIVING UP IN THE FACE OF DISAPPOINTMENT
At just 16, Georgia won the Commonwealth Games selection even - but in a devastating setback, she missed out on team selection. - with no clear explanation as to why.
Discover how she bounced back from disappointment to become one of Australia’s most accomplished athletes.
HANNAH YOUNG
OVERCOMING THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF NOT ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL
An Australian champion off-road triathlete, Hannah once placed immense pressure on herself to succeed so much so that even a runner-up finish felt devastating.
She shares how she learned to embrace the opportunities sport gave her, while also finding the balance to step away and detach when it mattered most.
ELLE ARMIT
SPORT IS FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS
Elle opens up about what it takes to stay positive in the face of uncertainty — from the fear of missing out on selection to the overwhelming reality and joy of being chosen for the national team.
An Olympic medallist for Australia, Elle went on to win silver in water polo in Paris, turning those moments of doubt into one of the defining achievements of her career.
MADI HOFFMAN
WHEN INJURY STRIKES AT THE WORST TIME
An Australian Winter Olympian, Madi’s journey has been anything but smooth - enduring five knee surgeries across four separate injuries, including one the day after qualifying for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Yet she has continued to rebuild both her body and mindset, with the help of her family and local community - fighting her way back and earning her place at the Milano Cortina Games in 2026.
HANNAH DODD
MISSING FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS ALL TO COMMON FOR PRO ATHLETES
A two-time Paralympian, Hannah has spent much of her professional career away from family and friends, pursuing her sport on the other side of the world.
With much of that time based in Europe, she has come to rely on the support of her teammates and her boyfriend, especially during pivotal personal moments or the holiday season.
SHAE CONNORS
FROM INJURY TO SHINING ON THE BIGGEST STAGE
After moving A-League Women clubs from Brisbane to Sydney, Shae suffered an injury that looked set to end her season.
Sidelined for more than three months, she worked relentlessly to return for the finals series. Coming off the bench in the Grand Final she delivered the winning goal, securing her place in women’s football history.
ADAM PLUMMER
NOT ALLOWING SETBACKS DEFINE YOU
Adam shares a powerful message about injury, resilience and the importance of never giving up on your sporting passion.
Having moved away from home and faced relentless injuries, he reflects on how the toughest challenges often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.