Kelly Beahan has inspired countless athletes to push their limits and now the Glenbrook strength and conditioning coach is up for an award herself.
Beahan is one of three finalists in the Western Sydney Sporting Woman of the Year awards, the winner to be announced on Tuesday night, September 15.
"I had no idea I was nominated. When I received the phone call [explaining she was a finalist] I was speechless," the 51 year old said.
Beahan has worked as a rehabilitation co-ordinator with the Cronulla Sharks, Wests Tigers, NSW Waratahs and Cricket NSW, and even had a stint with tennis sensation Ash Barty at age 12, focusing on mobility and reaction.
And then there's all the time spent helping people to walk again who have a spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
"It's such a joy to be able to see people do things that they never thought they would do," Beahan said.
"The work has to be put in. You really build a relationship with trust with these people. You're asking them to work harder than they have ever worked before for less results."
For the past three years she's been working every day with Paralympic skier Sam Tait.
As they spend very little time on the actual ski slopes, Beahan devises exercises building strength, reaction, agility and mobility. She also incorporates vestibular training so Tait can detect the subtle changes in the snow as he flies down a slope at 130km/hr.
"His ability to pick out the dips and hills and little bumps in the snow is so important," Beahan said.
For the majority of Beahan's extensive career, she's been the only woman in a male-dominated field, something she's quietly proud of.
"There's a sense of pride I have done all of that alongside men," she said.
