What a week of Olympic mania it has been! Inspired by the visit to year 4 by Olympic boxer Jamie Pittman and tapping in to some of the amazing connections within our very own school community, years 5 and 6 have also had inspiring visits from former Olympians over the last week.

Year 6 were honoured to welcome school parent and Olympian Shaun Creighton who spoke to them about his experiences in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, competing in the gruelling 10,000m event. An incredibly accomplished runner Shaun, also to discussed his experiences as a 3000m steeple chase competitor and marathon runner across multiple world championships and Commonwealth Games. Students enjoyed a brief rundown on the history of the Olympics as well as an insight into the dedication, resilience and perseverance required to reach the elite in sport. The visit culminated in an opportunity for students to ask questions and learn more about what the experience of being in the Australian Olympic team is like. Amazingly Shaun is still running, this time in ultra-marathon (50km plus) type events! Inspiring.

Meanwhile, Year 5 was privileged to welcome Louise Dobson on Monday this week, thanks to the “Olympics Unleashed” program. Dual Olympian (Atlanta 1996, Athens 2004) and member of the 1996 gold medal winning Hockeyroos, Louise brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to an excited Year 5 audience. Having represented Australia in more than 200 games through the 90s and beyond, Louise was a quality defender and feared penalty striker, with a long and very successful representative career that also included three Champions Trophy victories. Unfortunately, Louise was ruled out of the 2000 Olympics on home soil due to injury, while her Hockeyroo teammates successfully defended their Olympic title. Louise shared with the group the tenacity, grit and courage to work past the disappointment of missing the 2000 Olympics and returning to the elite level of her sport and the Olympic team four years later. Her inspiring message was that by setting goals, aiming high and being prepared to work hard in the face of disappointment, goals are achievable. Louise reminded us that there is something special within each and every one of us. She encouraged us all set our own goals, to “have a real go and be brave” and to remember to show gratitude to those who help us achieve our goals.

We would like to thank both Shaun and Louise for their time and for sharing their inspirational stories with our students. You have definitely generated more excitement as we follow our team in Tokoyo over the remaining weeks of the 2021 Olympics.