NAME Kayla Tyrell (nee Imrie) 

AKA Other Half of Josh Tyrell

TIMES AROUND THE SUN 30

FROM Wellington, New Zealand 

LIVE Biarritz, France  

ALL ABOUT Forever learning on the fly  

JILL OF WHAT TRADE/S Kayaking, cooking

CURRENTLY CRUSHING ON Brene Brown 

GIVE US THE LOW DOWN The latest is just changing up my lifestyle from being an on-the-go athlete to a more relaxed style of living.

Don’t get me wrong I love both, but the change has had it’s highs and lows. Working with an internal identity shift from only ever been seen as an ‘athlete’ in the public eye. Being in France with my hubby has helped me a lot with this.

I’ve enjoyed the slower pace of life, although it took a while to get used to. I like to keep busy so I’ve filled my day with full time study and more hobbies that I never had time to do while training.

Currently collaborating with some amazing brands like AWWA and RESTORE creating content and promoting products that I resonate with which has been a new direction for me.

SPORTING GOALS Currently doing my Postgrad Dip in Quantity Surveying while helping assistant coach the NZ Canoe Sprint teams when they travel and race in Europe. 

SPORTING HIGHS Rio De Janeiro Olympics. 2 x World Championship Silvers and 1 x World Championship Bronze. 

SPORTING CHALLENGES Getting to the point where 24/7 commitment to sport became my lifestyle (in

WHAT’S YA SECRET Just staying consistent with my day to day actions towards achieving my goals. Never thinking something is of reach and making sure I keep that ‘doer’ mindset. 

WHY IS BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY, IMPORTANT AS A SPORTSWOMAN I believe finding or building a good community around you is paramount to having the best support network when striving towards your goals.

They’re there to cheer when you’re on top of the world and they rally behind you when things get tough. Their honesty is also important when you need it most. 

YOUR INSPIRATION My paddling team mates, those before me and those coming through. Any person who challenges themselves.

RUGBY LIFE MISCONCEPTION It’s not glam at all. He comes home broken after training and games so I’m there to help mend the scars, challenge his thoughts, and grow with him throughout his rugby career. We’re a team and I make sure he’s not in it alone. 

RUGBY HIGHS Josh’s first ever contract out of NZ & RWC 

RUGBY LOWS The 4 years of long distance with Josh due to our professional sporting commitments, travel etc. We overcame this by making a conscious effort to still enjoy our relationship while being apart. Having facetime picnics together, games, drinks or sending gifts to one another. We would call every day without fail. 

Also, injuries!

PROUDEST RUGBY FAN GAL MOMENT Watching Josh play for Samoa live at the 2015 RWC 

LIFE AFTER RUGBY We’re always planning for life after rugby. Many ideas but nothing set in stone. Being back with family is a key component for us but where that is, is to be determined. For now, we are making the most that sport offers to give us in our lives. We know it won’t last forever. 

Encore!

WHERE TO NOW Josh and I are recently married so we are excited to start our own family.

5 YEARS FROM NOW Be working in either the construction or sporting industry,

PEARLS OF WISDOM Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become – “James Clear” 

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU 
Instagram: Kaylaimrie 
Facebook: Kayla Imrie