Interview: Sammy Hankins on Her Incredible Journey Through Search4Hurt
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Today we had the opportunity to chat with Sammy Hankins, one of the standout competitors from the latest season of “Search4Hurt.” Despite not having a background in competitive sports, Sammy took on the challenge of this intense competition and emerged stronger, both mentally and physically. During our chat, Sammy shared what motivated her to join the show, the changes she made to her training regimen, and the mental battles she faced throughout the season. She also discussed how participating in “Search4Hurt” has impacted her personal and professional life, offering insights that will inspire anyone considering stepping outside their comfort zone. Sammy’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing challenges, and we’re excited to share her journey with our readers.
New Competitor Experience: What motivated you to join “Search4Hurt” despite not having a background in competitive sports?
I was looking for a challenge, something that would get me out of my comfort zone. I’ve always loved fitness and swam competitively when I was younger, but I had lost a little direction & motivation with my training, so Search 4 Hurt came at the most opportune moment for me.
Training Regimen: How did your training regimen change once you started preparing for “Search4Hurt,” and who were some of the leading experts that guided you?
I initially tried increasing my volume dramatically but quickly learnt I couldn’t sustain that in the minimal time I had to prepare for each different event. Having the experts on hand helped me focus on the most important things in the little time I had between events. At the BackYard Ultra, I had Phil Gore, the Aussie record holder helping me change my socks, wash my feet, and making sure I had adequate food & hydration each lap – not many people can say that. Ross Dougal from Polar gave me some inside knowledge on the best way to attack Xterra, and guided me on pre & during race nutrition – which for an endurance event is so crucial (and I was the only athlete who didn’t suffer cramps haha). I also had Dean Kinney help me with the mental side of things, which was something I struggled with from the start. He reassured me my thoughts were normal, but to embrace them as opposed to try and suppress them. Small changes in my mindset, and outlook on each event, change my performance dramatically.
Mental Challenges: What mental challenges did you face during the competition, and how did you overcome them?
This was my biggest challenge all season. You can see from my very first interview I am asked what my biggest weakness is, and I answer ‘my head’. As soon as I stepped into Hurtcamp, I couldn’t help but compare myself to all the other athletes. My internal dialogue automatically started replaying the old ‘I’m not good enough’. Even after making the top 4, I doubted my position on the team. But thankfully, I was put in contact with Dean Kinney – a high-performance coach, who helped reframe my thoughts and focus on how I wanted to ‘feel’ as an athlete. We focused on cue words, and associating that with positive behaviours. One word we used for Hyrox was ‘smile’, and whenever I could I would make sure I smiled. This simple action really allowed me to enjoy every moment of the race.
Impact of S4H: How has participating in “Search4Hurt” impacted your personal and professional life, especially in qualifying for Xterra and Hyrox World Champs?
We’re all capable of more than we think. One of the biggest obstacles between us and our goals is fear, and many of us think if there is fear then we are not capable. But courage isn’t the absence of fear, courage is doing something in the presence of fear. You have to continue putting yourself out there!
Most Daunting Challenge: Which challenge did you find the most daunting, and what strategies did you use to tackle it?
The BackYard Ultra was my toughest event. There were so many unknowns for me, and being the first event I felt a lot of pressure to perform! I ran a PB, but I was the first athlete to drop out…so I didn’t see it as a win. I initially felt embarrassed. But I reflected on the event, and the reason why I entered the show and I needed to remind myself I was only competing against myself. I entered the show to be challenged, to expand, and grow through the discomfort, and the first event certainly delivered that.
Advice to Aspiring Competitors: What advice would you give to someone who is considering participating in “Search4Hurt” but has no prior competition experience?
Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Whether you are successful or not, you will always learn by putting yourself out of your comfort zone. ‘Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure!’ – Napoleon Hill
Future Goals: Now that you have competed in “Search4Hurt” and qualified for major championships, what are your future fitness goals and aspirations?
I never want to stop challenging myself. I want to spend the next 9 months honing in on Hyrox 2025 World champs, but i’d also love to get into some competitive ocean swimming over the summer.
Support System: Who has been your biggest supporter throughout this journey, and how did they help you stay motivated?
My family is my biggest support. Mum, Dad, my brother; right down to all my aunties, uncles & cousins. At the start of the season my Mum created a facebook chat group so we could all stay connected & follow the journey together. It was so nice constantly hearing from them, and being able to share the whole expeirence with them as I went through it.
Favorite Moment: Can you share your favourite moment or memory from your time on “Search4Hurt”?
It has to be the 2 occasions my family were there to watch. I had Mum & Dad watch me at Turf Games in Sydney, and had my cousin Ryan watch me during Xterra in Dunsborough. Even though I was suffering it was so nice to see their familiar faces, and hear their words of encouragement.
ABOUT
Search4Hurt is making a comeback on 7Mate, 7Plus, Sky News NZ, and Outdoor Channel Asia from August 10.
The show, which is known for pushing contestants to their limits, was extremely popular and ran for three seasons on ESPN from 2013- 2016. It is also the show that got everyone talking about Andrew Pap!
Commando Steve and OCR legend Matt Moore are the hosts of this season, and the series was created by Central Coast local Adam McDonald.
What is Search4Hurt?
Over 300 fitness enthusiasts who applied to be on this show were invited to participate in a gruelling 24-hour “HurtCamp” at Gosford Stadium, where 4 were chosen for the series, two men and two women.
Over a 6-month period, the four chosen participants trained with leading experts to prepare them for some challenges designed to mentally and physically push them to their limits. Those challenges included a Backyard Ultra, Powerlifting Comp, Xterra, Beach Obstacle Racing, Turf Games, Chase the Sun, Hyrox, and Obstacle Enduro.
Who are this year’s contestants?
- Peter Day is a three-time F45 world champ and owner of two F45 Studios in Sydney.
- Lachlan Dansie is a NSW Firefighter and was in series 2 of the event (qualified again 10 years later)
- Sammy Hankins is the owner of BFT Indooroopilly in QLD; she hasn’t been competing in stuff before S4H but now has qualified for Xterra and Hyrox World Champs through the show.
- Laura Newton is a special ed teacher and pro adventure racer.
Here is a teaser https://www.instagram.com/p/C9_7Ct9xGd1/?hl=en
Want more? Click here for Running Essentials From the Man Who Has Run 46 Marathons – TDP (techdriveplay.com)
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
