Cleo Bond has taken an unexpected detour—both in her travels and her career path. 

After competing at the Greater Zion Cup last month, she had planned to head straight to Vietnam for the PPA Asia Hanoi Cup.

“I was supposed to fly to Hanoi, and then when I got to the airport in San Francisco, I found out that my sponsor accidentally booked my flight for two days prior,” explained Bond. “So I missed it by two days.”

“I ended up driving along Route 66, so I got to see the Grand Canyon, Utah, and some of the National Parks. I could have literally stayed there all day. It was so beautiful,” she recounted. “Then I eventually ended up at the Bellamy's place in LA. They’re so kind and welcoming.”

After touring these destinations, Bond shared that California stands out as her favorite place she’s visited.

“California has been my favorite. It’s a lot like the Gold Coast where it’s a very healthy lifestyle and they prioritize clean eating, getting up early, and going to the beach. I love that kind of vibe, so I feel right at home in California,” she said. “Specifically, I love the Bel Air and Beverly Hills area. I’ve been to Rodeo Drive heaps and heaps of times now, but I haven’t bought anything yet. Maybe when I’m really established or get a gold medal I can go shopping as my reward.”

Reflecting on her whirlwind journey and the many places she’s experienced along the way, Bond admitted that choosing a number one isn’t so simple.

“I’m traveling to all these new parts of the world and I’m just fully soaking in everywhere. It’s really hard to pick a favorite,” she added. “I know that this is exactly where I want to be and where I need to be. Of course, I’ll always love Australia.”

But if there’s one thing I learned from Bond as she shared her spontaneous adventures, it’s that she’s incredibly adaptable and willing to embrace whatever comes her way.

At 25 years old, Bond is navigating life’s twists and turns with a sense of joy.

“I’ve had a lot of hardship in my life that I’ve overcome, and I’m at this place in life where I’m okay wherever it takes me. I’m going to play big, I’m going to play life hard, and I’m going to go for whatever opportunities come,” she insisted. “I’m seeing all these detours as blessings and seeing that everything is an opportunity. I feel like we all have our own inner compass and it’s really important to listen to that. Every time I listen to mine, it always leads to something better.”

Case in point, one of her biggest disappointments ultimately opened the door to new opportunities.

“For example, I was heartbroken when I stopped playing tennis. It was my dream. But, it led to pickleball,” mentioned Bond. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve gotten so many incredible opportunities because of pickleball and going viral.”

These exciting opportunities may never have happened if Bond hadn’t taken a risk and embraced a new career path.

“I’m going to approach everything I do with 100% positivity, energy, and enthusiasm,” she concluded. “Even if it’s missing a flight and getting stuck in the States.”

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