Champions Of Change: Tori Moorby

HIA #236 Tori Moorby is rewriting the record books for Kiwi javelin.

She’s broken the national record more than ten times and was the first New Zealand woman to throw beyond 63 metres. Tori has flown the flag at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Diamond League, and most recently, the Olympic Games in Paris.

Her journey is one of world-class performance — and we’re proud to have her in the Team HIA lineup.

Hey Tori.

Hi Marcus.

What advice would you give your younger self when you started your career?

To my younger self, I would say stay focused on what you can control, and don't compare yourself and your journey to others.

What’s something you wish more people understood about the life of a pro athlete?

That sport at the elite professional level, especially in individual sports, is tough. Although it may appear glamorous traveling around the world, it's tiresome and at times can be quite lonely. It's also really common for athletes to only share the successes, and the good stuff.. but often, there are far more struggles, challenges and setbacks that we keep to ourselves.

How do you mentally reset after a tough loss?

After a tough day at the office I usually journal as a form of reflection.. Writing things down with pen and paper helps me to offload the thoughts in my head and the emotions i'm feeling, so that I can move on and channel my energy into whats next

The best piece of advice you've ever received?

I don't have a singular piece of advice, but I have found the constant reiteration of 'true self belief' really powerful. It's really helped me connect deeply to my sense of belonging on the world stage.

What is the most unexpected lesson your sport has taught you about life?

You have to learn to let go.. like javelin, success hinges on that perfect release. In life, we must also let go of our want to have control. We must learn to let go of outcomes, fears, failures - and trust our preparation, our tools, and our instincts.

Has there been a fan interaction or message that’s left a lasting impact on you?

I remember being in Belgium for a Diamond League competition, and being swamped by athletics fans outside the competition hotel. They had photos of me to sign, they were congratulating me on my recent results and also wishing me luck for my next competitions. I was shocked - I couldn't believe people knew who I was and followed my progress. It was that experience that made me realise how far i've come and how I was starting to live out those childhood pipeline dreams.

How has competing in different countries and cultures impacted you as a person?

Competing in different countries and experiencing other cultures has been one of my favourite things about travelling the world through sport. In NZ we are so far away from the rest of the world so to learn about other countries, their traditions and their way of life is always so interesting. But with all that being said, I think that ultimately, it has made me really appreciate the beauty and culture of my own country, my home - Aotearoa, New Zealand.

What personal cause or issue are you most passionate about outside of your sport, and why?

I'm passionate about giving back to the next generation—sharing my journey, lessons, and love for sport so young athletes can dream bigger and believe in their own potential, just like I did.

Thanks for sharing a little more insight on your journey as an athlete Tori, appreciate your time.

To follow Tori @tori_peeters60