Sales consultant guides future Olympians
By day, Charlene Rendina spends her time working as a leading sales consultant at Camberwell Green, one of Lend Lease’s retirement villages in Camberwell, Victoria. When she’s not at work Charlene is busy doing another important job – helping to mentor up-and-coming Olympians.
Having represented Australia in Athletics at two Olympic Games herself – the 1972 games in Munich and the 1976 games in Montreal – Charlene knows all too well what it takes to become an Olympic athlete.
She hopes her guidance and words of wisdom will help a group of young athletes to go on and achieve the same success.
“Through the mentoring program I’m involved in I hope to help young athletes develop the mental strength they require and also to inspire them to achieve their full potential,” Charlene said.
“It’s great to be able to give something back to the sport I once competed in.”
Charlene is involved with Athletics Australia and Athletics International, as well as being an important part of the inaugural Target 2012 squad – a program designed to help athletes develop the skills they’ll need to compete in the London Olympic Games.
Charlene recently returned from a training camp in New Zealand with the Target 2012 group.
As well as being a two-time Olympian, Charlene competed in two Commonwealth Games - winning a Gold medal in the 800m, Silver in the 4x400m relay and Bronze in the 400m at the Christchurch games in 1974. Her experience means she is well-equipped to guide young track and field stars through the pressures they may face.
“Even though there have been a lot of changes in the way athletes now train and prepare, they are still following the same path as I did – just in different generations,” Charlene said.
“I talk to them about how to combine work or study with being an athlete, how to best prepare for major competitions, and about the sacrifices you have to make to be a professional athlete.”
Now in her 60s Charlene has long retired from professional competition, but she still finds time to hit the pavement, running up to 50 kilometres each week.
“I just can’t put the shoes away, not just yet,” she laughs.
According to Kym Faulkner, Village Manager at Camberwell Green, Charlene is an inspiration to have around the village.
“The young athletes that Charlene mentors are truly fortunate to have such a strong role model assisting them with their development,” Kym said.
“She is a real asset to the athletes of tomorrow and it’s great to have such an inspirational person as part of our community at Camberwell Green.”
For more information about Camberwell Green, please call the village on 9888 6133, or click here.