Sports presenter, Crystal Arnold learnt early on in life that being happy was a choice that could impact her life and career; and this lesson is part of the reason for her success – along with hard work of course.
The well-known SuperSport presenter not only defied the norm by becoming a female authority in sports but is also a wellness activist.
While Arnold is a general lover of sports, when she needs to escape from her busy schedule she can be found at the driving range – as golf is slowly making its way to the top of her ‘fun ways to stay healthy’ list.
“I just love the outdoors and can think of no better setting than spending a portion of my week on a golf course. It is my happy place,” she said.
So what motivates her? Being around active sportsmen helps.
“It’s like having a constant fitness screensaver,” she laughed.
“If the cricketers are not playing, they are probably training and that’s contagious. One of the benefits of touring with the Proteas is that you not only tap into their active lifestyle outlook but if you’re up early enough you can share some hotel gym treadmill space with a Morné Morkel or a Kagiso Rabada. Believe me, if they are running next to you, there’s no way you’re giving up midway.”
Last year Arnold travelled with the Proteas to the World Cup in Australia. A few months later she covered the Commonwealth Games announcement in Auckland where history was made and Durban was unveiled as the 2022 host city of the Games. Treasuring these moments, the skilled television presenter has also learnt some important life lessons along the way.
She explained, “From sportsmen whom I have had the privilege of seeing up close and also had the chance to tap into their thought process through our conversations and interviews, I’ve learnt that experience is invaluable and defeat does not define you.”
The second thing she learnt is that no dream is too big and no challenge is too difficult.
Happiness and balance can be tough to achieve when you are working 16-hour days and constantly on the road, but this sport-loving presenter doesn’t use her circumstance as an excuse. She adds balance to her days with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
