The former champion swimmer helping middle-aged women rebuild their lives.

Thanks to our brand partner, CQUniversity

Water has been a constant in Krista Barry's life.

The Queenslander learned to swim at the tender age of nine months old — a necessity born from the Townsville heat and her parents' swim school. By nine years old, she was competing at national championships. By her teens, she was training alongside world record holders like Tracey Wickham at the Australian Institute of Sport — and, at one point, she ranked fourth in the world.

But Krista discovered her true calling in her 50s, which led her back to the classroom. From champion swimmer to positive psychology graduate in 2020, she is now on a mission to help middle-aged women rediscover their strength.

"I could swim before I could walk," Krista told Mamamia. "Mum and Dad were teaching kids to swim, and it was so hot up there they had no choice but to put me in the water."

Krista could swim before she could walk. Image: Supplied.

She competed at the highest levels until retiring at 21. Like many elite athletes, the transition to life after sport proved challenging.

"Most athletes are consumed with that identity," she explained. "Back then, there wasn't a lot of guidance, planning or mentoring for that exit stage. You're sort of left to your own accord."

It was this understanding that eventually led Krista and her husband — a former world tour surfer she met while working at Hard Rock Cafe — to establish their surf school, Godfathers of the Ocean, on the Gold Coast 25 years ago.

Krista met her husband Michael at a Hard Rock Cafe. Image: Supplied.

In 2019, Krista's love of positive psychology was sparked when she discovered Caroline Adams Miller's work around goal setting.

"I resonated with it, because it was very similar to how we set goals in swimming," Krista said. "I hadn't heard anyone speak like that in a long time."

After attending the World Congress on Positive Psychology in Melbourne, Krista knew she'd found her path.

"I just fell in love with it and knew this was what I wanted to do," she said.

Diving into a new life.

When choosing where to study her Master of Applied Positive Psychology, Krista researched several universities before choosing Central Queensland University (CQU).

"When I saw CQU, each unit they had in the course was something like 'I want to do that, I want to do that'," she explained. "I just ticked off every box of those units. I just wanted to dive into it."

The flexibility of CQU's online program proved crucial for someone juggling a surf school, swim coaching, contract marketing work and motherhood.

"I did full-time the first year, then took an extra six months in the second year because I had to manage it with everything else," Krista said. "It was online and the experience was fantastic. It was also going through into COVID, so it was the perfect time to be studying something like positive psychology, because it really helped me through that."

The decision to embrace study wasn't without its doubts.

Krista admitted she had some fears before diving into the course. Image: Supplied.

"I was questioning everything: am I going to be smart enough to do this?" Krista admitted. "I grew up with swimming being everything… I never thought of myself as an academic.

"I think my willingness to want to do it was stronger than the butterflies."

What stood out most for Krista during this period of doubt and the unknown was the support she received from CQU staff.

"I felt connected with the course directors, professors and lecturers," she said. "I felt comfortable asking questions, they interacted with you online, got back to you quickly and were very informative.

"The way they delivered and communicated the content was practical. Everyone, no matter what background you had, could resonate with it."

It was through her studies that Krista discovered a new life's mission. While researching an assignment, she was concerned to learn that one demographic was being left behind by society: middle-aged women.

"Because I had the surf school for so long, I could actually see an evolution of more middle-aged women coming in and learning to surf," she explained. "[I did an assignment and] I was shocked to find out the highest rate of homelessness in Australia was among women in midlife.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, this demographic has been left behind.

"That's where my passion went."

The ripple effect.

Krista's studies led to the foundation of the Flow Like Water Academy, which empowers people to build confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing in the ocean through experiences such as surfing and water immersion.

"Water in any form, whether you're in a pool or having a shower, is very therapeutic," Krista explained. "It's about immersing yourself in an environment that allows you to restore, build resilience and have fun."

Flow Like Water is especially focused on middle-aged women, and the changes Krista has seen are nothing short of remarkable.

"I've seen quite a few broken women join these programmes and the change in them is unbelievable," she said. "Not only have they made new friends, but more importantly, they're doing something completely out of their comfort zone. That confidence isn't just in the water — it's in themselves.

Image: Supplied.

"They inspire me."

Krista's story proves it's never too late to start something new.

For anyone feeling stuck or unsure about their next step, her advice is simple.

"Put yourself in an environment where you can let go of all the noise and listen to yourself," she said, acknowledging that everyone's circumstances are different.

"If your gut is telling you 'I want to do this,' just look at what's stopping you and see if you can make room to maybe move some things around to make that happen."

Visit CQUniversity to find your own path.

Feature Image: Supplied.

At CQUniversity, we know excellence can take many forms. Through contemporary courses combined with more choices and real support, we empower our students to achieve their ambitions and career goals, whatever they may be. Create the success that means more to you. Be. With CQU.