How Lisa Curry found resilience in the face of grief

The three-time Olympian opens up

The three-time Olympian opens up about regaining her strength, both physical and mental, in the wake of enormous grief, plus her unexpected self-care routine. 

You’re one of Australia’s most prolific Olympic swimmers, then coached our national outrigger team to four World Championships. Now, you’ve published a new book, Happy Healthy You, to help educate women on hormones and health. What sparked that most recent passion?

For me, it was really personal. I’d reached my wit’s end with what to do about my hormonal changes, [but] talking about it with [naturopath] Jeff Butterworth really helped – especially with the things that hadn’t been discussed before. Now we’re able to talk openly about [the impact of hormones] and women everywhere are relieved to know that there’s a reason for the way they’re feeling. I have women come up to me on the street all the time to say thank you [for sharing my journey].

What has your experience with hormonal changes, menopause and health in general been like since leaving the swimming pool?

I feel like I’ve experienced everything there is to experience, and in various intensities. I’ve been through the ringer and back. I was a bitch every single day when I was going through the thick of my hormonal changes, and no-one was talking about this stuff. I actually had no idea it was a hormonal imbalance at all.

"I've experienced everything there is to experience; I've been through the ringer and back". Image: Lauren Biggs photography.

You recently posted a video to your Instagram account saying, “It’s taken three and a half years of sadness and grief to get where I am... There’s no point starting [your fitness journey] when your head is not in the right space.” [Curry’s daughter Jaimi passed away in 2020.] How has your approach to fitness in your 60s changed from how you trained in, say, your 40s?

I’ve only just reached a place where I’m emotionally ready to start looking after myself again. The mistake I made was that I stopped moving [after losing Jaimi]. All I did was curl up in a ball and eat for three and a half years. I let grief engulf me and now I’m paying for it. Not looking after myself for the last few years has taken its toll on my body, so I’m having to start back at square one and it’s hard. When I was in my 40s everything seemed so easy, but now, everything hurts. But [exercise] does make such a difference because you feel better when you move. It’s all about baby steps and I know that with some consistency and starting out gently, I’ll get there.

Has your renewed fitness motivation kickstarted any other healthy habits?

The pillars of health – sleep, diet, exercise and mindfulness – are the other things I like to keep track of. Sleep, Exercise, Love and Food equals SELF, so every morning I ask myself: “Did I sleep well? Have I been doing a little exercise? Do I show love/feel loved? And am I eating well?” I’ve found that helps me with accountability and self-awareness.

Image: Instagram/@lisacurry

Lastly, how do you let off steam away from your public-facing work?

I get on my ride-on mower! No-one can talk to me when I’m on it, not even a phone call; it’s just me and the grass. I love watching documentaries, too. It’s true you really don’t know someone until you know their whole story. I didn’t think much of David Beckham until I watched his doco. And now I know why Victoria never smiles [in public]; those soccer fans were horrendous.

Rapid-fire round

Person I’d kill to meet: Elvis Presley

Dream holiday destination: Norway

Guilty pleasure: Relaxing on my recliner lounge

How I let off steam: Taking my ride-on mower for a spin

Currently watching: Sly, the Sylvester Stallone doco on Netflix

Lisa Curry’s book Happy Healthy You is out now.

Originally published as How Lisa Curry found resilience in the face of grief