Heather Gormley: We Are Growing Into the Best Versions of Ourselves
April 18, 2019
The D10 Athlete Profile explores what brings competitors to The D10 playing field...and what they bring away from it. Heather Gormley
Trader, Western Asset Management
The D10 NYC
Fundraising goal: Team Slay (20K);
2019 Marquee event: 500M Row
What is your primary motivator for competing in The D10 events?
My primary motivation is the purpose and mission behind The D10. I have been a competitive athlete my whole life and the goal always been to win. While that transitions into the D10, where many of us bring this competitiveness to training and game day, we are all working to be the best versions of ourselves, physically and mentally. That is a huge part of the preparation and training. For me, the added mission and purpose of raising money for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the children adds tremendously to my motivation. You are no longer working for yourself, but for others who depend on you.
How much of your motivation for participating in The D10 stems from its charitable mission?
A large amount of my motivation comes from the charitable mission behind The D10. There is something so inspirational about pushing yourself beyond any physical and mental limits with the purpose of helping and supporting children suffering through one of the greatest challenges in life. Anything we can do to put a smile on one of their faces, and make their day just a little better -- that is my motivation.
How did you first get involved in The D10?
I took an SLT Pilates class with Leslie Archard who was my sales coverage through work. She knew I was into fitness and that I was looking to get more involved in charitable organizations in NYC. When she described The D10 to me, what instantly captured my interest was the community. After completing my first year, and now going into my second, words can’t describe the bond formed with the other athletes; I immediately became part of a family. Leslie and I are now teammates (Team Slay) and she has become one of my greatest friends.
Help Heather reach her 2019 charity fundraising goal.
How has The D10 been different from your collegiate or high school sports experiences in terms of training and motivation?
I think training as an adult, living on your own in New York City, is a very different experience than when you are a child or teenager. At this point in our life, we all are facing challenges through work or just life in general. As we train and push ourselves physically, I think we are also growing into the best versions of ourselves. This changes your focus and motivation from just winning a competition to really challenging yourself as a person.
In what ways has your participation in The D10 affected or enhanced your performance at work?
The training definitely helps your focus and gives you more structure which flows over into your work performance. Physically enhancing and bettering yourself and living a healthier lifestyle is going to benefit all aspects of your life.
Have you made new lasting friendships, or strengthened your professional network, as a result of your D10 experience?
The D10 has introduced me to some of my very best friends. We truly are a family with a very special bond. This year has been a true demonstration of this bond and closeness as we all suffered a very hard loss. Everett Watson was the center and core of our family and true inspiration for what The D10 is all about: community, philanthropy, training, dedication, spirit and motivation. He touched each and every one of us and brought something special to his relationship with each of us. Through The D10, I have developed long lasting friendships that have changed my life for the bettter.
Support Heather and Team Slay in their goal of raising $8,000 for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She sweats, you donate to a great cause, it's a perfect match!