4 minute read
BRAVO! CELEBRATING ST PETERS' SUCCESS AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a remarkable chapter in the history of St Peters Lutheran College, showcasing the incredible talents of our current students and Old Scholars. St Peters celebrated the achievements of 12 Olympians who represented their countries, bringing home ten medals and setting three Olympic records. Their success reflects their dedication and discipline and the comprehensive support within the St Peters community, which empowers them to shine on the world stage.
Special recognition goes to St Peters Western (SPW) Head Coach Dean Boxall. His visionary leadership has made a lasting impact on both St Peters and Australian swimming. Dean's relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering support for his athletes have elevated our swim program, nurturing some of the country’s finest swimmers. His influence goes beyond technical coaching, instilling resilience, teamwork and commitment in every athlete.
Our distinguished Olympians include Old Scholars who continue to represent St Peters with pride and excellence. Mollie O'Callaghan (2022), a powerhouse of Australian swimming and our most successful athlete in Paris, continues to inspire with her exceptional performance. Ariarne Titmus (2018) further cemented her Olympic legacy, setting new benchmarks in swimming excellence. We also applaud swimmers Jack Cartwright (2015), Jenna Forrester (2020), Jamie Perkins (2022), Ella Ramsay (2022), Kai Taylor (2021), and Eve Thomas (2018, representing New Zealand), each of whom displayed incredible skill and tenacity. Beyond swimming, Torrie Lewis (Track & Field, 2022) and Kathryn Rowan (Rowing, 2014) proudly represented St Peters on the Olympic stage. All these athletes embody the spirit of Plus Ultra, going above and beyond in everything they do.
Participating in the Olympics is an incredible achievement at any age, and our younger students’ involvement underscores the depth of talent at St Peters. Jaclyn Barclay (Year 12), the youngest member of the Australian Dolphins Team, competed in the 200m Backstroke, finishing 17th overall. Her coach, Cam Gledhill, remarked, "Coaching Jaclyn is a privilege; her attention to detail and determination to never leave a stone unturned truly set her apart. Watching her bring this level of focus to the Olympic stage has been inspiring for our entire program".
Equally inspiring is Year 9 student Anahira McCutcheon, who represented Fiji as their top-ranked swimmer. Her journey to the Olympics reflects her dedication to swimming and her pride in her heritage. Despite the nerves, her experience in Paris has strengthened her resolve. Coach Cam shared, "Anahira's mental resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure have been remarkable to witness. Competing at the Olympics at such a young age, she showed exactly the kind of composure and grit required".
These Olympians' achievements, combined with Dean Boxall's guidance, uphold St Peters' legacy of excellence. Our motto, Plus Ultra – 'ever higher' – is reflected in their accomplishments. At St Peters, we take pride in a holistic approach to education, nurturing growth in academics, sports, arts and character. Our commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, supported by robust programmes and mentorship, creates an environment where students thrive.
As we celebrate these achievements, we extend our warmest congratulations to each St Peters Olympian, their families and everyone who has played a part in their journey. We are immensely proud of their resilience, integrity, and dedication to the Olympic spirit. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue supporting our athletes and watching them take on the world with courage and commitment.
To all St Peters athletes, current and future: know that your community stands with you, cheering you on as you strive for greatness. Go forth with pride and continue to embody the Plus Ultra spirit in all that you do.
Article by: Jeremy Lohe, Acting Director of Sport
