Watch Us Change the World – from Pymble to the Olympic Games

Pymble Ladies’ College is proud to announce our official designation as an Australian Olympic Pathway school by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). Pymble is the first independent school in Australia to become an Australian Olympic Pathway school.

Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College, said this recognition was inspired by the voices of students, their sense of purpose, and their determination.  

Pymble students are pioneers – they are future-focused girls and young women who develop the hearts, minds and skillsets to positively impact the world in whichever field they choose.

By providing world-class coaches, facilities and holistic support, the College offers this pathway for our young athletes and sportswomen who dream big and work hard to achieve success on a global stage.

Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal, Pymble Ladies’ College 

 

To be recognised as an Australian Olympic Pathway School, a school must meet strict criteria set by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and have a well-established elite athlete development sport program that includes Olympic Sports.  

Pymble currently has partnerships with Badminton Australia and Athletics NSW, Basketball NSW, Rugby NSW, Hockey NSW, Volleyball NSW and Water Polo NSW. These pathway partnerships will continue to expand in additional sports both in Australia and internationally to ensure Pymble students have the best opportunity for future athletic success.

Pymble counts many alumni and staff members as Olympians and Australian representatives. We are excited to introduce this new opportunity to provide current and future students with the support to excel in both their athletic
and academic careers.

Chris Fydler OAM, Olympian, and Chair of the Pymble Ladies’ College Board

Pymble Olympians include Chloe Dalton OAM (rugby sevens), Dr Mackenzie Little (javelin), Brittany O’Brien (diving), Edwina Tops-Alexander (equestrian), Genevieve Horton (rowing), Tess Gerrand (rowing), Danielle Scott (aerial skiing), Liane Tooth (hockey) and Mina Wylie (swimming). 

Director of Sport at Pymble Ladies’ College, Adam Raw says “This is an incredible opportunity for Pymble students to benefit from the Australian Olympic Committee’s Green and Gold Runway to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

All Pymble athletes are supported in their chosen sports with access to our world-class sporting facilities, a sport and exercise medicine physician, sport and exercise physiotherapy, accredited coaches, support services such as wellbeing and nutrition, and crucially, formal pathways through to elite sport organisations.  

The Pymble Elite Sportswoman’s Program (PESP) was established in 2007 to cater for the training, competition and academic learning needs of student athletes who compete at an elite level. Notable alumni in the PESP include dual international athlete Ellyse Perry, who has represented Australia in both cricket and soccer. 

PESP will be expanded to include further specialised training facilities, nutrition and sports psychology support consistent with high-performance sport. In addition, our Athlete Mentoring program connects our student athletes with experienced mentors and offers specialised sessions in nutrition, psychology and field testing.  

Our student athletes will continue to train at Pymble’s world class, specialist facilities which include:  

  • A 50m heated indoor eight-lane swimming pool with multiple diving platforms and a dive bubble.  
  • Multi-purpose gymnasium with two full-sized interchangeable basketball and volleyball courts 
  • Multi-purpose fitness centre, incorporating strength and conditioning facilities and consultation and remedial treatment rooms.  
  • Multipurpose tennis and hockey courts 
  • Netball courts 
  • Multiple ovals for football, AFL, rugby and athletics   
  • Artistic gymnastics centre