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Managing the Ride & Mastering Adventure
December 19, 2024
From consulting to scootering, Fernando blends passion with performance.
We talk to Nick who considers himself a life-long learner, Nick has a constant enthusiasm toward academia. With an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Essex University, U.K.; postgraduate studies in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging from Cornell University, New York and High-Performance Sport and Leadership from the Australian Catholic University in Australia, now an enthusiastic motorcycle riding learner. Nick aims to grow through education and learning.
Q/ Of all the activities you are passionate about, why did you decide to start running marathons around the world?
I found running at a time in my life where–although I didn’t know it at the time– I was longing for community and connection back to sport. I had retired from professional sport, and the transition had taken me to New York City and different professional experiences, though I was somewhat lost in my outlook on how to continue to have a positive impact on society. I decided to run the New York City marathon and really haven’t looked back!
Q/ Did you always know you would be an athlete? Or what did you want to do when you were a kid?
Growing up in Sydney, sport is part of your DNA. We are so fortunate to live in a country where we are afforded the opportunity to participate in such a variety of sports as children. Sport played such a significant role in my upbringing, from surfing, gymnastics, swimming, running and of course, Rugby League, I always wanted to be an elite athlete.
Q/ What does an average day look like when you’re not running marathons?
Even when not running/training for a marathon, running still plays such an important role in my day-to-day life. I really try to enable an environment in my life which surrounds growth through experience–professionally, personally and socially. Helping other athletes successfully transform their identities in retirement is something I concentrate on. I recently got accepted to do my masters of High Performance Sport, so a lot of study and research, while spending time doing things I enjoy like surfing and cooking.
Q/ Why did you decide to get your motorcycle licence? What is it like for a learner rider to actually ride in a city like Sydney?
I have always wanted to get my motorcycle license, but couldn’t always coordinate the rider training! I have ridden a lot in Europe when I lived there, as you don’t need a “bike license” as such and always enjoyed riding around Paris, Lisbon and Barcelona… Now riding around the city I grew up in is incredible, we are so fortunate to live in a Sydney like Sydney and discovering the city in a new way has been such an amazing experience.
Q/ What do you use your Arthur electric scooter for? And what drew you to getting an electric road-scooter? What are the benefits?
I use my Arthur scooter for getting in and around Sydney’s east and City! It is so easy to jump on the bike and cruise to some of my favorite beach spots like Camp Cove and Milk Beach, or ride to Surry Hills for a business meeting. Besides one obvious one, easy to find parking, the fact the bike is completely emission-free and having a positive impact on the environment, the bike is a no brainer!
Q/ Nick Youngquest finds inspiration and grows through education and learning, you have been a long-time supporter and advocate of the LGBTQ+ community from your days as a rugby player, you have used your voice to support social actions. I think that children and adults find inspiration in Nick. How would you like to be seen? What kind of inspiration do you want to give your followers?
Finding purpose for all of us is so important in life, something which is very nuanced and subjective, too. Running has provided me the opportunity to continue supporting social action and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity… but it has ultimately linked me to something so much bigger than myself, and that’s the running community… a community that can collectively make Sydney Marathon an Abbott World Marathon Major, which will ultimately drive so much change for Sydney, economically, philanthropically, for the community at large–that’s something I want to be a part of.
Follow Nick Youngquest to be lifted up by this legend!
I have always wanted to get my motorcycle license, but couldn’t always coordinate the rider training! I have ridden a lot in Europe when I lived there, as you don’t need a “bike license” as such and always enjoyed riding around Paris, Lisbon and Barcelona… Now riding around the city I grew up in is incredible, we are so fortunate to live in a Sydney like Sydney and discovering the city in a new way has been such an amazing experience.
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