Olympic gold medallists Susie O’Neill, Linda MacKenzie and Nikki Hudson are touring Queensland to chat with secondary school students about sport and life as part of the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Talk to a Champ program.
Olympic gold medallists Susie O’Neill, Linda MacKenzie and Nikki Hudson are touring Queensland to chat with secondary school students about sport and life as part of the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Talk to a Champ program.
O’Neill and Hudson visited John Paul College in Brisbane on Thursday 11 August before Hudson joins MacKenzie at Mackay North State High School on Friday 12 August. In a one hour discussion, the Olympians will share with students how they became involved in sport, the positive impact it’s had on their lives as well as their experience at the Olympic Games.
MacKenzie, who won an Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games in the 4x200m freestyle relay, smashing the old world record by almost six seconds, returns to her old high school in Mackay where she was a gifted athlete and represented her school in a variety of sports.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to share with young Australians my experiences through sport as well as encourage them to follow their dream and never give up,” MacKenzie said.
O’Neill, who may have competed at the Olympic Games before some the students were even born, believes her messages are just as relevant now as they were for her when she was training.
“My overall message will be anything is possible,” O’Neill said. “I will be sharing with the students my three tips for success. They are working on the little things, controlling the controllables and having self belief.”
Talk to a Champ tours around the country during the year and at each event feature two outstanding Olympians, who share with aspiring athletes the positive impact sport has had on their lives.
Talk to a Champ is just one part of the a.s.p.i.r.e. school network, the AOC’s education program, which uses the Olympic sport traditions and values to teach life values and life skills.
The program also features the online multimedia events Chat to a Champ and Learn from a Champ as well as Olympic Day. In the lead up to the London Olympic Games more activities will be offered including the popular Village Art program, Cheer for a Champ and lesson plans for primary and secondary school teachers.
For more information about Olympic education and how to participate visit the AOC website – www.olympics.com.au/education or contact Frances Cordaro 0410 484 474.
AOC
