SILVER FERNS STAR ANNA FABULOUS AT 40!

She may have retired from netball, but the legendary defender can't get away from sport

- Kelly Bertrand

When most of us turn the big 4-0, we might organise a little party W or perhaps a spot of self-indulgence. Silver Fern legend Anna Harrison bought a mountain bike.

"I just can't seem to get away from sport," she tells Woman's Day with a laugh. "It was a birthday and a 10-year wedding anniversary gift. I can't believe Craig and I have been married for that long! "It's been really nice, actually. I knew it would be good to find something new that I didn't have anything to compare myself or others to.

I've really loved it! It's been part of the healing process." There's been the need for a little "healing" in the past few years since Anna, one of New Zealand netball's greatest players, retired from the court for good in 2021. The adjustment is one the mum-of-three is still trying to get her head around.

"It's kind of like a grieving period when you leave your sport," she tells. "I haven't left completely - I'm still dabbling in a few different areas - but I knew it was time to leave netball when I did.

"I've watched a lot of the ANZ Championship games this year and I haven't wanted to be out there playing, so that is a good sign of moving on!

"But it's such a change in your lifestyle and when you've been playing top-level sport since you were a teenager, being an athlete becomes your identity. I still identify as an athlete, just an older, not-as-intense-one, mainly because apart from having a very clear role as a mother, I don't have a career sussed to identify with yet."

While hanging up her netball bib has been a journey for the star defender, life has been "pretty good" lately as she's balancing being mum to Isaac, nine, Georgia, eight, and three-year-old Benjamin with indoor volleyball, a bit of netball commentating and studying for a positive psychology and wellbeing diploma, plus coaching Georgia's netball team!