Sally Fitzgibbons for Samsung Interview

Australian Pro surfer and all-round superstar, Sally Fitzgibbons, shares an insight into her life, her motivations and exercise regime through two engaging videos created by Samsung Australia.

These beautiful clips capture Sally's love of running and surfing, sharing fitness tips, revealing her favourite spots in her home town of Kiama and highlighting the impact sun, sea and surf has on her lifestyle.

Check out the videos below:
Sally Fitzgibbons' Home Run
Sally Fitzgibbons Surfs Her Home Breaks

Interview with Sally Fitzgibbons

Question: When and why did you decide you wanted to be a professional athlete?

Sally Fitzgibbons: I knew from a very young age that I wanted become a World Champion or an Olympic Gold medallist. I didn't know what sport would be the one I would make it in, so I tried absolutely everything to see what I loved most. This enabled me to develop a well-rounded skill set and made me into the athlete I am today. When I was 16 years old, surfing become my focus and I could see that pathway to the top. I gave it everything I had to burst onto the elite level and have loved every step of the journey along the way.


Question: Why did you allow Samsung to record videos which provide an intimate look into your daily life?

Sally Fitzgibbons: It is always hard to let people in on a personal level but the Samsung Galaxy S5 videos give people an insight into my day-to-day life. It shows how the Galaxy S5 and Gear Fit play important roles in my training while highlighting the journey I am on to reach my dream of becoming World Champion.


Question: What did you enjoy most about filming these videos?

Sally Fitzgibbons: Being able to capture the special spots around my home town through the Galaxy S5 videos was really enjoyable. This is where I have grown up and loved training every single day. It's such a beautiful stretch of coastline and I love being able to share this place with people watching the videos. Filming with the drone was also really interesting, it captures completely different angles and looking back on the content helps me train and look at my technique.

Question: Why did you want to showcase your home town of Kiama?

Sally Fitzgibbons: I wanted to showcase my home town because it's the place that is closest to my heart. It's where I come to refresh and gain my strength to go again, to make sure I can give that next event on the World Tour everything I've got. Kiama is also my place of peace and calm and where some of my favourite waves in the world are, so including it in the video was a no brainer.


Question: Who originally motivated you to begin surfing?

Sally Fitzgibbons: My dad and three older brothers introduced me to surfing and started pushing me on waves when I was six years old. I was hooked on surfing straight away and knew from that young age that surfing would be a part of my life in a big way.


Question: Can you talk us through your exercise regime?

Sally Fitzgibbons: My training regimen has to be flexible with all the travel I am involved in with being on the World Tour. There is never a typical day, which is what I have learned to love. I have found it necessary to work with my surrounding environments to get the best out of my training and being able to rely on my Samsung Gear Fit to keep me on track has been really helpful. My days are a mixture of cardio; run, swim, bike, skateboarding and strength work in the gym, plus surf hours and beach training. I also do stretch and yoga type programs to round out the day. There are so many different elements in training for surfing, which keeps me very busy and trying to improve myself as an athlete both physically and mentally draining, so having technology to keep me on track makes things much easier.


Question: How is running still incorporated in your life?

Sally Fitzgibbons: I've always loved running from such a young age. It is a part of my everyday life. It evokes so many different emotions in me. Running can relax me, inspire me, release anger or frustration that I may be feeling. It makes me smile and satisfies me every single time I go for a run. Running is always there for me and I absolutely love it. No matter what country I'm in I always have my runners with me and my Gear Fit. Running is my first port of call when arriving at a new destination, I simply put on my trainers and away I go.


Question: How important is your diet to your training?
Sally Fitzgibbons: Diet is an extremely important piece to the puzzle. You must put in quality fuel in order to get the best performances out of yourself. My diet is pretty simple consisting mainly of fruit, vegetables and quality proteins.


Question: What motivates you to get out of bed, every morning?

Sally Fitzgibbons: My dream of becoming World Champion motivates me to get out of bed at 5am or earlier to work my butt off every single day.


Question: What advice do you have for other Australians who want to become professional athlete whether in surfing or running?

Sally Fitzgibbons: For those wanting to become a professional athlete, give it everything you've got. See that dream of yours, feel it when you close your eyes and trust in yourself to be able to bring it to life. See It... Feel It... Trust it!! Remember to have lots of fun along the way and where possible make the most out of products that will enhance your training.


Interview by Brooke Hunter