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2 September 2024

On Friday 30 August, ������ had the privilege of welcoming back former student and Olympic silver medalist Jenna Strauch during her first visit to Bendigo after her remarkable achievements in the pool at Paris.

Following a tour of the school, Jenna attended a special assembly at the senior campus as the guest of honour. She received a warm welcome, with introductions by Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly and her former Head of Jenkin House, Mrs Winsome Wastell, who has remained in touch with her over the years.

“I knew Jenna was destined for greatness, but didn’t guess it was going to be in the pool – it was just going to be greatness,” Mrs Wastell told those in attendance.��“It’s been an absolute pleasure for me to watch quietly over Jenna’s career and to know that I was, and Girton is, part of Jenna’s story.”

As part of her address, Mrs Wastell shared vision of the thrilling 4 x 100-metre medley relay in which Jenna and her teammates clinched the silver medal. When Jenna took to the stage, she revealed that it was the first time she had watched a replay of the event, and she was deeply moved to experience it at her former school.

Jenna began her address by presenting her gleaming silver medal to the audience, explaining that it symbolised much more than the victory itself, but rather the journey that had led her to that moment in her career. That journey began at age 13, shortly before she entered Year 7 at Girton, when she first commenced competitive swimming and quickly discovered her natural talent.

Jenna also spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced throughout her swimming career. She revealed the sacrifices she made – including leaving her hometown, school and friends at a young age – as well as her battle with an illness that nearly ended her career. Her key message to the students in attendance was to embrace challenges rather than fear them.

“Every single one of you in your life is going to face adversity, but in those moments, it’s those who choose to not let their adversity define them but shape them who will make it far – whether in swimming or any venture you choose. For me, those moments really taught me what it would take to get to an Olympic games.”

Jenna also highlighted the importance of finding balance in life, which she has managed in her career as an elite sportsperson by completing a degree in biomedical science and now pursuing a masters in bioethics while working for a consultancy firm. She credited her Girton education for setting her up for success in these pursuits.

“The education you receive at Girton is like none other. It really set me up in my early years to progress, so I’m very grateful for that,” Jenna disclosed.

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At the conclusion of her address, Jenna expressed her gratitude to those in attendance for their support – not only during her Olympic campaign but throughout her school years.

“Many of you may have never met me before, but you are part of a community that I’m a part of, and I just can’t thank the Bendigo and Girton community enough for the support you have given me on my journey,” she said.

“This medal wasn’t me alone. This medal is my family, it’s my supporters, the sacrifice we made to move away. But it’s also the likes of my teachers back here at Girton, who allowed me to continue my studies and be the best that I could academically while also giving me the leeway to pursue something extraordinary.”

“I urge you to strive for excellence because one day you too could be standing up there and wonder how you got there. You could be me, because I was you.”

Following Jenna’s address, School Captains Miffy Fisher and Charlotte Bett ascended the stage to present her with a token of the school’s appreciation. They then hosted a student Q&A session that saw Jenna delve into everything from her fondest memories of Girton, to her future career aspirations in the health sector.

Following the assembly, Jenna stayed on for some one-on-one time with students from the school’s thriving Sports Excellence Program. Run by Head of Athletic Development Mr Ben Furphy, this program has been specifically designed to help young athletes develop the strength, mobility, coordination and movement patterns needed for success in their chosen sport.

Girton is deeply grateful to Jenna for generously offering to visit the school during her return to Bendigo. The school could not be prouder of her achievements or the remarkable person she has become. Her legacy at Girton will endure – not only through her unbroken school Swimming Carnival records but in the inspiration her visit has instilled in this generation of Girtonians.