A three-time Olympian and a medallist on the World’s biggest stage, Mariafe takes us inside the unforgettable journey that saw her and Taliqua Clancy claim silver in Tokyo, falling only to what she describes as the “perfect performance” from the United States in the gold medal match. She also reflects on Paris, where Australia finished fourth after an epic three-set battle with Brazil—a contest Mariafe ranks among the greatest matches of her career.

Born in Lima, Mariafe arrived in Sydney with her mum as an 11-year-old, unable to speak English, she quickly found her place through sport.

It didn’t take long for the volleyball world to notice. After filling in alongside her older brother at a tournament at Manly, the teenage prodigy earned selection in Australia’s Under-19 team for the World Junior Championships—at just 13 years of age.

Her rise wasn’t without obstacles. Mariafe was told she was too short to succeed at the highest level, but her talent, determination and competitive spirit proved impossible to ignore.

In this inspiring conversation, Mariafe also reveals the power of dreaming big. As a little girl, she wrote down every goal she hoped to achieve, turning them into posters. Today, she believes those dreams became reality because she dared to imagine them first.

Admired throughout Australia and especially cherished within the Latino-Australian community, Mariafe has become an icon well beyond the volleyball court. With her love of fashion, effortless elegance and authentic personality, she’s built a loyal following on social media while remaining grounded and deeply connected to her family.

Could there be one more Olympic chapter in 2028 Summer Olympics… or even a home Games in 2032, Mariafe hasn’t closed the door. But for now, her greatest joy isn’t measured in medals.

It’s her young son, Luka.

This is a conversation about resilience, belief, family, and chasing your dreams – from Peru to the Olympic podium.

A five-time Paralymian in wheelchair basketball, a three-time Paralympic medallist, and later a two-time Paralympic gold medallist in sailing, Liesl’s sporting résumé is almost impossible to comprehend. She became the first woman in the world to play professional wheelchair basketball, competing against men in Europe and helping pave the way for generations of female athletes who followed.But medals and milestones only tell part of the story.

Liesl joins The Perfect 10 to reflect on a remarkable journey that has taken her from regional New South Wales to the world’s biggest sporting stages. She shares the challenges of growing up with a disability, the mentors who shaped her life, the evolution of Paralymic sport, and the lessons she’s learned from a lifetime of resilience, courage and determination.This is a conversation about breaking barriers, redefining what’s possible, and using sport to create lasting change.

Liesl Tesch AM is one of Australia’s greatest Paralymians, a sporting pioneer who rightly sits in both the Basketball Australia and Sailing Australia Hall of Fame.

Liesl now serves as the Member for Gosford in the New South Wales Parliament, where she continues to champion inclusion, opportunity and community.

This is an episode you’ll never forget.

Born in the UK, Emily fell in love with football as a little girl. Her Dad was a passionate Leeds United season ticket holder, and weekends were spent immersed in the atmosphere of Premier League and Europa League football. The game quickly became an obsession.

Emily played senior football in England before a move to the United States sparked a new chapter — coaching. It proved to be the perfect fit.

Since arriving in Australia, Husband’s rise has been remarkable. She built a powerhouse program at Sydney University under the guidance of her mentor John Curran – before taking on one of the toughest jobs in the A-League Womens competition — building the Central Coast Mariners from the ground up.

What followed was extraordinary.

In their very first season, the Mariners stormed into the Finals Series. One year later, Emily guided the club to the Championship, defeating powerhouse clubs Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory on the way to Grand Final glory. Her tactical brilliance, unwavering belief, and the culture she created transformed the Mariners into one of the great success stories in Australian sport.

Now, alongside Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro, Emily is helping guide Australia’s favourite sporting team towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

This is a conversation about leadership, high performance, culture, resilience, and an all-consuming love of one sporting code. Emily laughs that she’s a “one-sport pony,” but her passion for helping players unlock their full potential is what truly defines her.

An inspiring story from one of the game’s most respected coaches — a trailblazer -this is Emily Husband on The Perfect 10.

This week on The Perfect 10, Lisa Weightman joins award-winning host Steve Allan for a fascinating conversation about resilience, longevity and performing at the highest level for more than two decades.

Lisa reflects on the coaches and mentors who shaped her journey — including the legendary Dick Telford — the influence of her Dad, balancing elite sport with a successful business career, and why so many are now calling her ‘Wonder Woman.’

While 2024 presented enormous challenges, this conversation focuses on perspective, growth and the remarkable chapter Lisa is writing right now.

An inspiring and honest chat with one of Australia’s most respected athletes.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

In this extraordinary episode, Kerry-Lee shares her journey of growing up with congenital amelia and refusing to let it define her. From developing a love of swimming to conquering marathon distances—spending over six hours in open water—her story is one of relentless determination, grit, and courage.

But this isn’t just about endurance. It’s about mindset. It’s about community. It’s about the tribe that lifts you when it matters most.

A double degree in law and business. An in-demand public speaker. A driver—using her feet. And a human being who redefines what’s possible.

This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a perspective shift.

“The Wingless Warrior” might just change the way you see your own limits.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

A champion Ironman in his own right, Michael conquered the Coolangatta Gold and claimed the Ironman Series against one of the strongest fields ever assembled. But it was a pivotal move to Sydney that helped shape the next chapter of an already remarkable career.

As a coach, his journey has been anything but linear.

At Mooloolaba, he worked alongside some of the greatest names in surf lifesaving and built the foundations of the King Ironman Academy. There were highs… and there were challenges. His stint at Currumbin Vikings marked the lowest point of his career—but it also set the stage for one of the great comebacks.

Now at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, Michael has cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s elite coaches. The result? An historic clean sweep in the Open Ironman at the National Titles—something never achieved in 111 years.

This is a story of passion, resilience, and a life-long love for the sport.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

Raised in Kiama, Day chased his surf lifesaving dream north — first to Mooloolaba, and eventually to the powerhouse Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, where he has built one of the most remarkable careers the sport has seen.

Day became the undisputed king of the legendary Coolangatta Gold, winning the gruelling endurance classic 11 times— an extraordinary record in one of the toughest races in sport.

But his legacy stretches far beyond the Gold. A World Ironman Champion, a six-time winner of the Ironman Series, 4 x Australian Ironman champion, Day has spent more than a decade at the very top of the sport.

Now, as he prepares to bring the curtain down on a stellar career just shy of his 36th birthday, Day has delivered one more remarkable chapter — claiming this year’s Shaw and Partners Ironman Series title in spectacular fashion at Miami Beach.

And there’s one last chapter to be written. In a fortnight, he’ll chase another National Ironman crown at The Aussies at North Kirra.

In this episode of The Perfect 10, Ali reflects on the journey from the South Coast to the Gold Coast, the mindset behind dominating the Coolangatta Gold, and the moments when even he wondered if the streak might end.

He also speaks about life beyond the surf — and the support of his family, wife Kel and their two boys Danny and Andy.

It’s the story of endurance, evolution and one of the greatest careers surf sports has ever seen.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

Mogul skier Matt Graham returns to The Perfect 10 Podcast for what might just be a well-earned victory lap.

After narrowly missing the podium with a fifth-place finish in the singles event — on a night when teammate Cooper Woods stunned the world with gold — Graham admits the emotions were mixed. But champions respond.

Just days later, “Mogul Matt” produced one of the finest performances of his career to claim bronze in the Dual Moguls — the second Olympic medal of his remarkable journey.

It was also a historic podium, shared by three fathers: Graham, Canadian legend Mikael Kingsbury, and Japan’s Ikuma Hiroshima.

In this episode, Matt reflects on leadership, resilience, and the pride of helping guide Australia through what has been its greatest ever Winter Olympic Games.

And he’s far from finished.

Fresh off another World Cup victory in Japan, Graham is now locked in a thrilling battle with Hiroshima for the Crystal Globe heading into the season finale in Azerbaijan.

At 31, and skiing the best moguls of his life, one question remains…

Could a fifth Olympic Games still be ahead?

But this story is about far more than Olympic qualification.

It’s about devastating injuries.Losing funding.Battling fear, depression, and the very real thought of walking away from the sport she once loved.

Abbey opens up about the moments when everything felt too hard — and how setting small, manageable goals helped her rediscover joy, confidence, and belief. That process has led to career-best results, including a top-five finish in the world, a current top-ten world ranking, and one of the most extraordinary nights in Australian winter sport history.

At Deer Valley, Abbey stood on the podium as part of a historic Australian clean sweep — Laura Peel gold, Danielle Scott silver, Abbey bronze — with fellow Aussie Airlie Frigo finishing fourth. A result that may never be replicated.

With just weeks until she takes on the world at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Abbey says she’s already proud of how far she’s come. But as this conversation reveals — when she’s at her best, anything is possible.

This is a story of perseverance, perspective, and chasing the dream — one aerial run at a time.

Off the snow, life has never been better. Matt is now a proud father to his 18-month-old daughter Ada, and last year married his soulmate Jess — a grounding presence that’s brought fresh perspective and renewed motivation as he enters the next chapter of his career.

He’s opened this Olympic campaign in scintillating form with a win in Ruka, Finland, stamping himself as one of the hot favourites in Livigno. But to claim gold, there’s one familiar mountain to climb — the GOAT of moguls skiing, Mikaël Kingsbury of Canada.

In this episode, we also hear from Matt’s biggest inspiration — his brother David, a former World Cup skier himself, who will be in Livigno cheering Matt on in what could be a fitting swansong on the sport’s biggest stage.

In the past 12 months alone, Pam has claimed two Australian professional boxing titles across two weight divisions, holding both the Australian Super Featherweight and Australian Lightweight belts. In total, she now boasts six professional titles.

What makes her story even more remarkable is the path she took to get here. Pam turned professional in 2019 at the age of 37, following a decade competing at elite amateur level, where she won multiple NSW and National titles.

A lifelong local from the northern end of the Coast, Pam is a mother of three, works full-time in education, and is also a dance teacher — all while competing at the very top of her sport.

Now on the verge of retirement, Pam is determined to go out with a bang — and to give back to the sport that has given her so much.

With an infectious personality and extraordinary mental strength, this was a conversation I genuinely loved. An incredible story of resilience, belief, and balance.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

Jemma Smith belongs firmly in the second category – and in my opinion, she is one of the most under-rated athletes in Australia.

A two-time World Ocean Ski Champion and winner of the iconic Coolangatta Gold, Jemma knows what it takes to endure — physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, she reflects on one of the most defining moments of her career: her second-place finish at the 2019 Coolangatta Gold, the closest finish in the event’s history.

For many, that moment could have been a lifelong “what if”.For Jemma, it fuelled the fire, and drove her to a new level of excellence.

She opens up about how that narrow defeat sharpened her resolve, reshaped her preparation, and ultimately drove her to go one better on one of surf lifesaving’s most unforgiving stages.

At just 26, Jemma continues to redefine consistency and longevity. She is the winner of an extraordinary 12 Champion Lifesaver titles at the Australian Championships, a record that speaks volumes about her all-round mastery of the sport.

Away from competition, Jemma is already giving back, coaching the next generation of sprint kayakers through her role at the NSW Institute of Sport.

This is a conversation about patience, perspective, and the power of using disappointment as a turning point — with one of Australia’s finest endurance athletes.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

In this episode of The Perfect 10, Allanah shares her journey — from serving as an Olympic reserve in Paris, to her ambitions for Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032. She opens up about overcoming injury setbacks, the artistry and science behind race walking, and following in the footsteps of Australian legends like Kerry Saxby-Junna, Jane Saville, and teammate Jemima Montag.

A conversation about resilience, balance, and chasing excellence on and off the track.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au

We dive into some of the unforgettable moments so far — from Mondo Duplantis’ stunning pole vault world record to Gout Gout’s international debut, and Jess Hull cementing her status as one of Australia’s golden girls of the track.

Matt also takes us behind the scenes with his own star athlete, Nicola Olyslagers, as the

2 x Olympic medallist prepares for Sunday’s high jump final. Insight, inspiration, and the magic of athletics on the world stage — this episode has it all.

Pat’s not slowing down just yet. He’s gearing up for the Quicksand Soft Sand Run at Terrigal for the second year in a row — raising vital funds for Surf Life Saving and other important charities.

While he hints that his days of ultramarathon running may be winding down, there might still be One For The Road — a potential final epic: a run across China, aiming to show the world the beauty and humanity of a country so often misunderstood.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of the world’s most enduring adventurers.

Troy Luff might just be the most durable figure in Australian Rules. From a teenage standout in Nelson Bay to a fan-favourite at the Sydney Swans. Luffy’s story is one of resilience and a deep, unshakable love of the game.

But there’s another side to his story. Troy’s AFL career was cut short by something far tougher than any opponent: depression. Today, he’s a proud ambassador for Beyond Blue, using his voice to help others speak up, seek help, and know they’re not alone.

In this episode, we go beyond the stats: the 155 AFL games, the heartbreak of the ’96 Grand Final, and the roar of “Luffy! Luffy!” as he farewelled the SCG. You’ll hear how Troy won two Phelan Medals in the Sydney competition, and built a legacy at clubs like Balmain and UNSW-Eastern Suburbs.

He also names his Perfect 10  moments — and no surprises, it involves a former and a current Sydney Swan.

From the big stage to Division 5, and from personal battles to public advocacy — this is a chat with a football legend who refuses to hang up the boots and never stops giving back.

A proud Yuin man, Steve represented New South Wales and was part of the Blues’ first-ever State of Origin series win. He also earned his place among the game’s greats, as a member of the 1982 Kangaroos — the iconic “Invincibles” who went undefeated on their historic tour of Great Britain and France. While the record books list four Test caps, Steve made 13 appearances on that tour alone, crossing for an astonishing 21 tries.

Off the field, Steve’s impact has been just as powerful. He holds a Master of Philosophy (Medicine) and a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion, and today serves as the Central Coast District Director of Aboriginal Health. Through leadership, research, and innovation, he continues to drive meaningful change in the delivery of culturally safe and high-quality healthcare for Aboriginal communities.

A brilliant athlete. A true game-changer. And an even greater man.

Ky didn’t stop at dominating the surf. He switched to Open Water Swimming, representing Australia in Beijing and London, and claiming numerous World Championship medals in the brutal 10K event. Then, he reinvented himself again — trading speedos for sailing as a crew member in the America’s Cup and Sail GP.

The Surf Lifesaving and Open Water Hall of Fame Member shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hunger that drove him across three world-class sporting careers. He’s a proud husband, father of three, and arguably one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes Australia has ever produced.

In this episode, we dive deep into John’s journey, from this year’s thrilling grand final win over the Sharks to his reflections on the incredible talent within the women’s competition. 

He shares insights on some of his stars, the players he admires most, and what it’s like coaching his daughter Jasmin—part of this year’s premiership winning side.

For a man who values his privacy, a peek into John’s shed reveals so much: a signed photo of illusionist David Copperfield, pinball and karaoke machines, a punching bag, and old-school weights. It’s a tribute to his belief that nothing in life is achieved without hard work.

Oh, and did we mention his family’s talent doesn’t stop with him? John’s son Ethan is also making his mark with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL.

Don’t miss this fascinating chat with one of rugby league’s most accomplished and humble figures.

Scott opens up about his unique upbringing, raised in pubs on the Gold Coast, where his legendary dad John kept the peace, often by dishing out his own brand of justice. Reflecting on his father’s unmatched leadership on and off the field, Scott shares insights into the qualities that shaped him, as well as stories of his heroes from the iconic Souths team of the ’60s and ’70s, including the 14th Immortal Ron Coote. 

Scott has forged a remarkable career off the field, blending his passion for sport with a keen eye for business. He’s the host of a national radio program on the SEN – Sports Entertainment Network, where his insights continue to shape the conversation. Beyond broadcasting, Scott’s private investigation business has thrived for decades, a testament to his tenacity and skill. Now, he’s embarking on a new venture, Project One3, dedicated to negotiating player contracts and helping the next generation build a foundation for success. 

Don’t miss this episode—it’s an inspiring look at a legacy built on grit, resilience, and vision.