This year we saw Melbourne Grammar’s largest-ever Old Melburnian contingent competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. For these elite athletes, representing Australia at this level is the result of years of physical and mental preparation. As a community, we celebrate their success, talent and commitment.
Adding to our Olympic history
Bringing home a bronze medal from the Women’s Coxless Pair rowing final, triple Olympian Jess Morrison OAM (OM 2010) and gold medallist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, is now one of our School’s most decorated competitors. The final itself held a nail-biting conclusion, with the Australian team only overtaken by Romania at the finish line to come in third by 0.57 seconds.
Reflecting on her experience, Jess said it was seeing family and friends in the crowd as she and crewmate Annabelle McIntyre stepped onto the podium that meant the most. “There was something really special about that moment,” said Jess. “I felt proud to represent my country and all the people who have supported me, right from the beginning.”
Jess’ advice for aspiring Olympians is to maintain both patience and gratitude on the long road to success. “This takes time, dedication and persistence, and the path isn’t linear,” she says. “Once you do see success, you might attract a lot of attention, but never forget the people who were there for you at the beginning—your family, friends, coaches, teachers, classmates and mentors.”
Stepping up at the last minute
This year’s Olympics also saw strong performances from rowers Fergus Hamilton (OM 2017), Tim Masters (OM 2009) and Jack Robertson (OM 2016). Rowing together in the Men’s Coxless Four, these Old Melburnians placed second in their heat with the fifth best time across all boats, and sixth in the final.
“Our Coxless Four team were great to row with,” Tim added. “I’m sure Jack and Fergus will go on to make both the School and the country proud in the future.”
In the hours before the Men’s Eight final, dual Olympian Tim Masters was also asked to step in to replace an ill team member, rowing with a crew he’d never trained with before. “I really didn’t have much time to think about it,” Tim said. “I just had to try to blend into the crew as best I could during the 36 hours I had before the race.” This crew also placed sixth in the final.
Despite his best efforts, high jumper Joel Baden (OM 2014) did not progress beyond the qualifying round in his event.
Read more about our Old Melburnian Olympians journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games:
- Joel Baden (OM 2014)
- Fergus Hamilton (OM 2017)
- Tim Masters (OM 2009)
- Jess Morrison (OM 2010)
- Jack Robertson (OM 2016)
You can view a list of all Melbourne Grammar School Olympians here.
