The 60 year 6 students in Brisbane’s New Farm joined more than 90 000 students across the state since the program’s launch in 2018, who hear directly from Olympians and aspiring athletes about how to set goals, build resilience, overcome challenges and be the best version of themselves – no matter where their passion lies.

McKeon has been part of the program since its inception, delivering his Olympic journey and sharing firsthand experiences with students from Brisbane to Biloela, and even to Badu Island off the Torres Strait.

“Olympics Unleashed has been an amazing program to be a part of,” McKeon said. “It’s really special to be able to share my experiences with students firsthand, and I really feed off their energy and reactions.

“This is an opportunity I didn’t have at my school when I was growing up, and I’m thankful we get to share this right around the state.

“I like sharing with students that it doesn’t matter if you’re not the best at something when you’re young, you shouldn’t be put off or afraid to try new activities.

“I was never the best swimmer growing up, but if you can try new things and do it for the enjoyment, you’ll discover your passions and find goals you want to chase.”

While giving face to face visits with schools was a key part of the Unleashed program, as the world adapted to the challenges of 2020, unleashed turned to digital connections to keep students connected.

Of the 600 visits in Queensland, the last 55 have been online, connecting athletes from their homes and training centres into classrooms.

“Throughout this year I think the messages of Unleashed remain as important as ever. Visiting online with students I always want to leave them knowing that wherever we are, this is a collective challenge we’re all going through  - no matter what you’re doing you’re going to have speed bumps and they’re absolutely not alone through this. 

“I also think it’s important to try and find positives even in bad situations. The delay to the Tokyo Games was massive, but I look at it as giving me more time to rehab my injured shoulder and a chance to build up resilience.

“Being part of Unleashed has also helped me reflect on my own career and achievements. As athletes sometimes we’re so driven that it’s always straight onto the next goal, the next challenge. Sharing my story and engaging directly with students around the state has really helped me appreciate my journey so far."

With 600 schools already visited by the program, McKeon knows there’s plenty more ahead.

“I can’t wait to see the program continue to connect schools with up and coming athletes and Olympians. It’s a special experience and I know that we’ll be seeing the positives of inspired young people chasing their passions for a long time.”

Olympics Unleashed is free for schools thanks to presenting partner Optus and state governments. To find out more or register your school head to www.olympicsunleashed.com.au