For this episode, we sit down with Team New Zealand’s Ben O’Dea. 

Ben has been a regular fixture at the World tour scene when he started at the young age of 17. Ben, alongside his brother Sam, has proven himself as a young gun with insane potential winning his first Asian tour in his debut at that age and keeping up with high level teams in the world tour. Despite his early successes in the sport, Ben opens up about his fair share of setbacks and moments that made him question his commitment to the sport and if he truly belongs in it. 

By believing in his own potential and putting in the work, Ben has been more fired up than ever in reaching for the top starting with a recent World Tour podium finish with his new partner Thomas Reid. This is one inspiring story of resilience amidst setbacks so I hope you enjoy the show! 

In this episode, we talk about his career in the "SOAP notes" format as follows

(S)ubjective History
- His origin story of being a wonder rookie in the World Tour taking after New Zealand Olympians Jason Lochhead and Kirk Pitman
- Which team in the world tour inspires him the most
- His most memorable moments so far in his career
- How he juggled to and from indoor and beach throughout his volleyball life

(O)bjective History
- What technical beach volleyball skills he is most proud of
- What technical aspect he is working most on
- His workarounds despite injuries and limitations with certain ranges of motion 
- What skill every aspiring player should master

(A)ssessment 
- An inside look at his current journey as a Beach Volleyball athlete 

(P)lan of action
- His current goals to realize his potential and face whatever challenge is thrown at him
- His current journey with a new partner and what's in store for them moving forward

I hope you get to enjoy and be inspired by his story as much as I did! 

Feedbacks would be highly appreciated and let me know which Beach Volleyball Icon you want to get featured next!

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Ben' Socials
IG: @benodeaa
Team IG: @odeareid.beachvolley

Doc AJ's Socials
IG: @doc.ajpareja
TikTok: @doc.ajpareja
YT: Doc AJ Volleyball

Audio File Title:
Mesmerizing by Gvidon

Audio File URL:
http://pixabay.com/music/soft-house-mesmerizing-15617/