No stranger to adversity, Brooke narrowly missed qualification for both the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Games. However, she didn’t let this hold her back. Come 2004, Brooke not only qualified for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, but walked away with an individual silver medal in the 100m Breaststroke and team gold in the 4x100m Medley Relay.  

During her visits, Brooke shared her Olympic journey with the students and explained how she stayed motivated when faced with adversity. 

“My journey to the Olympics was full of setbacks, obstacles, injuries, self-doubt, missed teams, no improvement in performance for over five years and two Olympic teams which I failed to qualify,” said Brooke.

“I shared the tools I implemented to rise above the tough times and how I continued to be true to myself by being consistent, valuing great nutrition, not finding excuses and most importantly being fully accountable to commit to my sporting hopes, dreams and goals”.

“It’s wonderful to show my Olympic medals and see the students faces light up and tell them that every journey is paved with obstacles but if you can overcome what’s holding you back, success will come your way.” 

If there’s one thing Brooke hopes to teach students, it's the importance of staying true to the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, and to move every single day.

“Being active is so important for your body and mind and it’s great to discuss this with the high school students,” Brooke said. 

“You learn, grow and discover more about yourself when you’re having a go a sport daily. You make healthy choices which supports well-being, and it gives you an opportunity to unleash your full potential in sport, art, music, science and education.”  

“I want to inspire students to believe in themselves and don’t quit, continue to do it and find motivation from within no matter what it is they want to achieve”.

As for a highlight from her tour of the NSW North Coast, Brooke said being able to do an Olympics Unleashed visit to students living with a disability at Grafton High School was especially memorable.

“It was not only a highlight from this tour, but I can honestly say it’s my number one highlight of all my Olympics Unleashed visits,” Brooke continued.

“The students decorated the front of the school with 50 metres of paper chain art in Olympic colours, they painted the Olympic rings and decorated the hall with ‘Welcome Brooke Hanson’ signs, they made me Olympic art gifts I got to take with me.

“It was the best reception I have ever received, and I loved speaking to the students about never giving up on their hopes and dreams”.

In being part of the Olympics Unleashed program, Brooke hopes to inspire the next generation of Australians particularly as we continue along the Green and Gold Runway towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“I always hope to inspire students to follow their passions and to start thinking about an opportunity of a home Games at Brisbane 2032.

“I like to remind the students they all have a chance to be involved, whether that’s competing for Australia or as a coach, nutritionist, sports scientist, media officer, headquarters staff, psychologist, physiotherapist, massage therapists, team manager or even to attend the Olympic Games in Brisbane as a volunteer or spectator.

“There are so many ways the students can get involved but for now, I encourage them to just ‘Have A Go’ at Olympic sports".

The Olympics Unleashed program brings Australian students face-to-face with Olympians, who encourage and inspire students to find their passion to become their personal best. Teachers can find out more and register their school for Olympics Unleashed here.