Athletes often talk about the constant juggling act, trying to achieve the perfect work-life balance. Australian diver Laura Hingston understands that better than most.

While working and training hard in her sport of diving, Hingston is also pursuing excellence away from the diving platform.

Whether it’s in her job in the Australian Institute of Sport Community Engagement team, inspiring the next generation through keynote speaking, helping the public to stay active as a pilates instructor or opportunities to work in sports journalism, Hingston said she loves it all.

“For a while, I had career aspirations of hosting and commentating on major sporting events, and running my own charity,” Hingston said.

“But I am really enjoying all of the jobs I am currently engaged in, and my favourite job of all is being an Aunty,” she laughed. 

“I am a big believer in jumping at every opportunity that comes my way. If I’m honest, I’m not 100% sure where I will end up, but I love sport and connecting/giving back to the community is very important to me,” she said.

Hingston said that it’s taken time to perfect the art, but she would encourage others to find balance in their sport and professional career.

“Balance as an elite athlete can be quite difficult, but it is possible,” Hingston said.

“I am very lucky at Diving Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport to have the support we do to ensure I am able to work on my dual career, whilst diving remains my number one priority.

“Balance for me is important as it gives me a focus outside of diving, which I find really beneficial for me mentally, even if at times it can be physically demanding, the benefits outweigh the cons for me.

“Also finding balance is important in ensuring you do not burnout and you’re looking after yourself. Our training can be quite demanding, so leaning on the support network is really helpful in ensuring you’re on the right path,” she said.

Keeping herself busy outside of the pool is something that Hingston says benefits her performance on the platform as well.

“Anyone who knows me, knows I love to be busy and working towards my goals,” Hingston said.

“Having a dual career allows me to switch off from diving for a few hours and work on myself outside of diving, which is very important to my overall happiness and adds to my personal purpose.

“At times I have had to pull back as the balance was off and I was physically exhausted, but I’ve been lucky enough to have my support team around me to help work it out and ensure a better way forward.

“It’s a juggling act, but it’s about finding the perfect balance that works for you,” she said.

Like she does often in her work as a keynote speaker, Hingston offered some words of advice to junior athletes and the next generation coming through the ranks.

“Don’t be afraid to work on your dual career. There’s been times when I have solely focused on diving as I thought that was what I needed, and while my recovery was completely maximised during this time my best results and overall happiness actually have come from the times when I’ve had an outside focus.

“Even if a job or study doesn’t work right now, look for short courses or modules to upskill. During my quiet times, I signed up to as many of the AIS courses and modules as I could, and not only loved connecting with the other athletes, I learnt some really valuable skills in areas I had no idea about, like finance!

“I am always trying to work on my dual career and sometimes I need a little push of confidence or even someone to tell me to pull in the reins when the timing isn’t right.

“My best advice would be to establish a good support network around you. I regularly lean on my support team for advice and help,” she said.