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Hayden McLaren’s passion for running began at an early stage, inspired by forest runs with his father near his home city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Breaking the four-minute mile and competing for New Zealand at junior level in the world championships indicated elite athletic potential. These achievements fuelled Hayden’s ambitions for the Olympic Games . However, Hayden (born August 87) is keen to assert his sights are set not just on Olympic glory: “We are not going to be sportsmen or women for our entire lives so it’s important to prepare for life after sport. I have dreams of working in health promotion. I love seeing and helping people achieve their own personal challenges no matter what their level of ability.”
To move close to his long-term goal, Hayden, who already has a BA, is soon to embark upon a health science degree. He recognizes work experience as a vital too. After attending an IOC ACP workshop and career discussions with an IOC ACP manager at Adecco, Hayden found an administrative position in the Earthquake Commission (EQC) in Christchurch. The EQC is a government agency, which was founded in 1945. Today, it is responsible for providing natural disaster insurance for New Zealand residents, as well as funding natural disaster research public education programmes. The EQC is heavily involved in the recovery effort from the major Canterbury and Christchurch earthquakes that hit the country’s South Island in September 2010 and February 2011 respectively. Hayden’s role is structured around a 7am-3pm working day during the week, freeing up his afternoon and weekends for his sport. “It’s been a great opportunity to meet people from other walks of life, make good contacts for the future and new friends.” Reflecting his committed but balanced approach to everything he tackles, Hayden remarked, “I organize my time and get plenty of sleep to ensure I am properly recovered from training. I have a responsibility to bring my A game and positive attitude to the workplace the next day.” Summing up his IOC ACP experience, Hayden said, “The programme is an extremely helpful way to identify how your skills as a sportsperson can be integrated into the labour market. I can focus, I’m calm under pressure and have a competitiveness that helps get tasks done! The Programme helps you learn about yourself, time management techniques and much more. It’s brought a whole new dimension to my efforts to fulfill my aspirations.”
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