Libby Trickett fights her own demons, discusses how to work on your own mental health

Much-loved Olympic champion Libby Trickett is serious about “woo woo” and getting women to believe in their own magic.

Libby Trickett. Images supplied

Who Australian Olympian Libby Trickett and co-founder of Unlocking Her Potential.

Where Sunshine Coast hinterland with husband Luke and their children Poppy, seven, Edwina, four and Bronte, two. Favourite thing Incorporating wellbeing and

movement into daily life. Inspiration Coastal inspired hideaway with cathedral ceilings, in-ground pool and large deck with covered terrace. Home is Comfort is key for me.

Following some difficult times, Libby’s mental health and happiness is her priority.

Libby Trickett’s happy demeanour is what the public associates most with the champion swimmer, but behind that smile, not all has been rosy. Libby has been quite open about her battle with depression after retiring from professional sport and postnatal depression after the birth of her first daughter, Poppy.

Beijing Olympics 2008. Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final. Australia's Libby Trickett, Emily Seebohm, Jessicah Schipper and Leisel Jones won the gold medal.

Attributing to her own positive mental health is spending time with her young family in their Sunshine Coast hinterland home on an elevated 3.4ha of land with sweeping views of the coastline.

The all-white kitchen overlooks bushland.

Libby Trickett’s family property is a stunning modern-style Queenslander on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Libby describes her own family as a “mixed bag of mental health challenges” but is facing those internal conflicts head-on. Libby recently launched Unlocking Her Potential with health coach Paula Hindle to help women address all aspects of wellbeing, including physical, mental and emotional.

Libby Trickett and co-founder Paula Hindle have joined forces to launch Unlocking Her Potential.

“I have found my new purpose,” says Libby. “Since retiring from the pool, it has taken me a while to find the same passion I have for swimming. We aim to inspire and empower all people to create a healthy and vibrant life. We offer online holistic health coaching programs and help others find ways to incorporate wellbeing and movement into their daily lives in a way that works for them. Plus I’m obsessed with crystals now. I’ve gone full woo woo.”

Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Olympics medals form part of Libby’s greatest sporting achievements.

These medals are from my three Olympic Games: 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London. Each of these medals represent a particular experience.

Cute puppy, just don’t squish too tight

My friend Leith made this for me in high school when we were 15. I’ve had it for 22 years and it’s something that I’ve always treasured. It’s even more special now that my girls play with the puppy.

Libby preferred uniform. (pictured with Paula Hindle)

I’ve spent my whole life with the desire to find a job where I can wear active wear for the majority of the time. My go-to is brand Active Truth and my sneakers are always Asics.

Libby sometimes turns to angel cards to help her make decisions.

I’ve always had a part of me that was kind of fascinated by something greater than myself and the angel cards for me was something that I felt like I could connect to.

Writing a memoir helped Libby heal.

Writing down my journey following my retirement was both challenging and rewarding, but it was also a therapeutic process to put these memories on paper, to have forever. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of.

Can’t get to a gym? Now, there’s no excuse.

Fitness apps are like a roaming gym, you can use them anywhere and they help to

eliminate the excuses, such as not having time to get to the gym

One of Libby’s Olympic rings

I often get asked if I have the Olympic Rings tattoo, and the answer is that I don’t, but for each team Olympic team that I made my husband got me a ring made. This one, is from 2012 London Olympics.