Already a dual Olympian and gold medallist, Jess Morrison OAM (OM 2010) is about to set another record. When she attends the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Jess will at least equal the record set by fellow rower David Crawshay (OM 1997) as the Old Melburnian with the longest Olympic track record and a gold medal.
“It’s an honour to be sharing this record with David, as he’s someone I’ve looked up to for a long time,” says Jess. “I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to represent Australia for the third time. I want to try to make our country proud.”
Early inspiration sparks a lifelong commitment
While Jess was in Year 2 at Grimwade House, her mother took her to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and Jess was in the crowd when Cathy Freeman crossed the finish line in the 400 metres. “That was an unbelievable moment that had a huge effect on me,” Jess says. “It’s had an impact on our country ever since, and I’d love to give Australia another moment like that.”
Jess reflects on her first Games in 2016 as being simply an opportunity to participate at Olympic level. But as chances of winning a medal gradually became more realistic over the years, there was a corresponding increase in pressure. Jess met that pressure head-on, winning a gold medal in the Women’s Coxless Four at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“Heading towards Paris, I have a lot of clarity about what it’s going to be like, and what’s expected of me,” she says. “The test is to do exactly what you’ve practiced, every day, in that one moment you’re given. You don’t get the chance to do it again the next day.”
“As a young kid, I set my sights on the Olympic Games, and on being the best in the world at something,” Jess adds. “You have to be very patient from that point on, because it takes a lot of time. It’s a lifelong commitment, and the path to success isn’t linear.”
A hunger to reach the next milestone
Having transitioned to rowing from a highly successful swimming career following a shoulder reconstruction when aged 21, Jess puts her success in her ‘new’ sport down to an unshakable desire to achieve the next goal.
“I’m constantly searching for that sense of satisfaction,” she says. “That’s something that drives me as an individual.”
Jess’s goals for herself don’t stop at Olympic success. Having set an unofficial world best with long-time rowing partner Annabelle McIntyre last year, her aim is to match that time at the next world rowing event.
“I’ve always had my eyes on securing an official world best time,” Jess says. “What I love most about rowing is the extent to which you can push yourself. We call it ‘redlining’—maxing out your physical abilities. There have been times when I’ve surprised myself in what I’ve been able to do because I didn’t want to let a teammate down.”
“I think Annabelle and I have a good balance when it comes to focus when we’re on the water. When we’re out of the boat, we’re good mates and that helps as well,” she says.
With just one event to focus on in Paris—the Women’s Coxless Pair, as opposed to two at Tokyo, Jess is focused on heading into the race with as much confidence as possible.
“We’re making sure that when we get to the Games, we’ve done everything we can to set ourselves up for success,” she says. “I’m looking forward to trying to pull it off!”
Read more about the other Old Melburnians representing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games:
You can view a list of all Melbourne Grammar School Olympians here.
