RICHMOND North Public School students learned the importance of eating well and participating in regular physical activity when Olympic Canoe Slalom medalist, Jessica Fox came to visit last week.
Ms Fox described the determination and personal goal setting that is needed in order to become an elite athlete.
The students were inspired by her recounts of life in the Olympic village and the obstacles that she has overcome in order to compete at an international level, winning a silver medal at the London Olympics, and a bronze at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Ms Fox told the students that she doesn’t always want to get up early and into the water, particularly when it is cold outside - but, she always sets herself a goal.
She explained to the students that she needs to stay in top condition, and she achieves this through regular training on the water and also in the gym to keep her strong and fit.
She also explained that, in order to keep her body in top condition, she needs to give it the right fuel, and eats a healthy diet filled with veggies, fruit and protein.
Ms Fox was at Richmond North Public School as an ambassador for the NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge.
Students and teachers at the school are once again participating in the program that promotes regular physical activity from an early age.
The NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge encourages both primary and secondary students to participate and record their levels of physical activity over a 10 week period.
Teachers are also encouraged to be role models of a healthy lifestyle through the PSC Staff Challenge.
“I think the Premier’s Sporting Challenge is a great opportunity for kids to get active and have a lot of fun with friends,” said Ms Fox.
“It’s important to set up good habits at a young age through this sort of program and I hope to get the message out to inspire kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.”