Jenna Strauch returns to Girton with Olympic silver

On Friday 30 August, Girton 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 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.