My time out in Australia with sports lived was wonderful. I rowed for Mercantile where I experienced the Ozzie way of rowing. Despite not being able to race at Nationals due to COVID I made some lovely friends from the rowing club who I wish to visit again. Not only was the rowing great but the friends I made who were also part of the sports lived programme are friends for life. Living out in Australia for 6 months at the age of 18 was made so much easier by Kathy (part of sports lived) and Karen & Matt (in charge of where I stayed). They were extremely kind and made me feel a part of an Ozzie family. Kathy arranged many social events, my favourite being surfing and stroking Kangaroos. This experience is great for any athlete or coach who wants to travel but also keep up their sport and most importantly have a tonne of fun.