Looking beyond the podium with Sarah Walsh

Year 8 students welcomed three-time Paralympian Sarah Walsh to Burgmann this week as part of a guest speaker focus offered through their daily Yumma time.

Organised by Year 8 Leader of Culture and Wellbeing Lauren Orders, the speaker series has opened conversations about diversity, inclusion, resilience and perspectives from across the community. The sessions give students the opportunity to hear directly from people with different lived experiences, ask questions and look beyond what is familiar.

Sarah brought the world of para sport into the conversation, drawing on her experiences as a long jumper who has represented Australia at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games.

While she shared some of the milestones from her sporting career, Sarah’s strongest messages were not about medals or records. She spoke about celebrating the small wins along the way, holding onto the reason behind a goal and recognising that meaningful achievements are built through difficult days as well as good ones.

Sarah also discussed the barriers people with disability can face when trying to participate in sport. The cost of specialised equipment, limited opportunities and a lack of visibility can all affect access. She encouraged students to notice these barriers and consider how communities can make participation more inclusive.

One of Sarah’s most powerful reflections looked beyond her own performance. Each time she wears the green and gold, she said, she is not only competing for a place on the podium. She is also representing the child watching from home who might now see a future for themselves.

Students continued the conversation through questions about para sport classification, motivation, competition mindset and what goes through Sarah’s mind as she charges towards the long jump board.

Sarah’s visit added another perspective to a speaker series designed to help Year 8 students better understand the experiences of others and their own role within an inclusive community.