Rose Keddell is a two-time Olympian, best known for representing New Zealand as a field hockey player at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021.

With more than 200 caps to her name, she has also been to two Commonwealth Games – winning gold at Gold Coast 2018 and bronze at Glasgow 2014. She is also an avid pilates enthusiast and teaches in her spare time at Reform alongside working at a New Zealand owned company, George and Willy. Rose grew up in Mount Maunganui (where she currently lives with her partner) in a large, health focused family which likely sparked her interest in health and wellness. Rose is kind, genuine, family-focused, driven, talented and overall a pleasure to chat to.

Sip & Savour

As an athlete, what does wellness mean to you?

I look at wellness holistically. There is the physical side of wellness which involves keeping fit & that is obviously essential in performing well as an athlete. As I get older however, I have realised how necessary it is to place equal importance on taking care of your mental wellness. In my experience, if I’m in a good frame of mind I am much more likely to perform better physically. Summed up very simply, wellness to me is prioritising the things I do each day to ensure I am the best version of myself.

What has your journey through the last Olympic cycle been like?

This Olympic cycle has been very different from the lead up to Rio in 2016. The main difference being a lack of international travel which meant that in the 18 months leading into Tokyo, we sadly didn’t have the opportunity to test ourselves against any other international teams aside from Australia. Therefore, we really just had to trust our preparation and take as much confidence from that as we could. There were also periods of time when we doubted the games would go ahead at all which honestly didn’t make things easy. I had to make a really conscious effort to try and focus on what I was able to control & once I accepted that, it made all the difference. I am genuinely so grateful the Olympics went ahead and that we were able to represent New Zealand in Japan. Although our result absolutely doesn’t reflect where we had hoped to finish, I am immensely proud of our team and honoured to have been a part of the wider New Zealand team. 

Tell us about your evolving relationship with alcohol. What is a session for you now vs what a session was for you at 21?

I made the New Zealand team when I was 18 & therefore, from a young age, I had always prioritised training over partying. I’m definitely not saying there were no parties but I think there were fewer than a lot of others my age who had that typical New Zealand university experience. The most obvious difference between my drinking now versus when I was younger is that I know appreciate the flavour of my chosen beverage so I savour the taste rather than drink fast for the feeling. I still view alcohol as a ‘sometimes’ thing as I am well aware as an athlete of the negative effect alcohol can have on my training from a recovery/performance point of view so I don’t incorporate a drink into my every day.

Is there a particularly embarrassing drunk story you can share with us?

The most embarrassing drunk stories for me would be the occasions where I have overdone it & not been in control. It is usually those nights where I wake up the next morning with a sore head and a lot of regret.

In order to prioritise your mental and physical wellbeing, what are some non-negotiables you live by?

Spending time with my loved ones really is number one. I consider myself extremely lucky with the family cards I have been dealt. They are my best friends & biggest supporters. I also value spending time by the sea, moving my body & sharing a meal with friends. 

How do you cultivate balance in your life?

Balance is a hard thing to attain, especially if you have big things that you want to achieve. If I am being honest, over the years I don’t think I have got it quite right but in saying that I look at it from the perspective that everything I have had to do or sacrifice in the past has got me to where I am now. I believe you have to assess what you want to prioritize and ensure you make enough time for those things. Whatever falls outside of that isn’t a big deal & the sooner we realise we can’t do it all, the better and more balanced we will be.

Quick Shots

If you were a drink what would you be and why?

Chilli Margarita. Quite fun, very festive, a little bit of spice. 

Describe your drunk alter-ego in 3 words

Lots. Of. Energy.

What is your favourite thing to spend money on at the moment?

Things for my home.

If you could share a drink with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?

I’m currently in quarantine so I would have to say my partner Ben. 

What is your favourite thing to spend money on at the moment?

Things for my home.

What is something that really energises you?

Spending time with people I love. 

In your ideal adventure what would you be doing, where would it be, and who would it be with?

I would be close to the ocean, likely swimming or in the sunshine with my family. Not overly adventurous but I’m clearly craving an island holiday.

What is one thing that always cheers you up?

Dinner with friends 

One song you can’t stop listening to at the moment?

Fantastic Man by William Onyeabor

A motto or quote to live by?

You must enjoy the process as the result is never guaranteed.