STUDENT SUCCESS
A team driving William’s success
B
GS Year 11 student William Jordan was one of the youngest competitors at the 2021 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials in June.
continuing to dedicate myself to the development of my swimming.” The School provides support beyond the academic and curricular areas, with a focus on wellbeing another reason for his success. “Coming to BGS has completely changed my life,” William said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today or achieved what I have without the amazing people that I engage with every day.”
William described the experience at the event as ‘the most incredible swimming experience’ of his life. “The atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “The venue set up, all the cameras and media, the security, and all of the biggest names in swimming and Olympic sport. I felt so proud to be a part of it.” “I have met a few Olympians and it was great to see BGS Old Boy Mitch Larkin competing – he always asks how I am going and wishes me luck. Being there with some of my friends BGS Old Boys Alex Fenton and Joe Jackson was really special to me.”
“Anxiety has been an issue for me both in presenting for school assessments and performing at higher level meets. My Head of Year Mr Conway, Assistant Head of Year Mr Scholes, Form Tutor Ms Pepper-Rogers and many of my other teachers have been a wonderful support for me when I’ve felt the pressure of school or swimming.”
“I felt part of something great. It is one of my best memories being there with them on the last night, cheering as the people that we raced against were announced on the 2021 Australian Olympic Swimming Team.”
“They are very approachable and caring and are really easy to talk to for advice and support. I’ve done a lot of work on this and although the butterflies still come, I know how to keep them in check these days.”
Competing against the best swimmers in Australia cemented William’s desire to be a professional swimmer. It also highlighted the need to continue to work hard to improve. “The most important thing that I took away from Olympic trials was a new desire for it to be me at the presentation receiving my boarding pass to the next Olympics,” he said.
William paid tribute to his dedicated mum, who manages her career around his schedule. And a demanding schedule it is.
He was inspired watching the Paralympians compete and singled out the race featuring Ahmed Kelly and Grant Patterson as his favourite moment of the trials. “They both have significant physical and personal challenges that they have to overcome every day and to watch their determination and joy as they raced was so incredible,” William said. Alongside his goal to become a professional swimmer and compete at an Olympics, he is working hard to potentially study Veterinary Science and eventually work on projects for marine rescue and rehabilitation.
“I always try to stay organised and stay on top of what needs to be done,” he said. “I plan what I need to accomplish each day both in and out of the pool, managing my time to maximise study and training without compromising on recovery and rest.” “Along with nine swimming sessions a week, I have a casual job at Woolworths, have guitar lessons each week through our Music Department, and I am part of Greening Grammar and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.” William also acknowledged BGS Swimming Head Coach Bobby Jovanovich and Assistant Head Coach Hiromi Barnett for their invaluable support and dedication. “My relationship with Bobby is one I hope will see us both achieve the pinnacle of this sport,” he said. “I couldn't wish to go on this journey with a better coach by my side. Hiromi has an eye for detail, and often picks up on the smallest aspects of my technique that can have a big impact in a race.”
William believes BGS provides the best opportunity for him to realise both goals. “My mum and I moved from Bangalow in the Northern Rivers of NSW for me to study at BGS and pursue my dream of being an Olympic swimmer,” he said. “BGS provided the best opportunity for me to study and be a part of such a special culture, while
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