Tilly Kearns helps launch Narrabeen Sports High School recognised as Australian Olympic Pathway School

Local Olympians Matilda Kearns and Jo Brigden-Jones with Narrabeen Sports High School student and aspiring Olympian Ruby Trew joined the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) to celebrate Narrabeen Sports High School's recognition as an Australian Olympic Pathway School on 24 August.

Through this partnership Narrabeen Sports High School looks to build upon their rich sporting and Olympic history.

The Australian Olympic Pathway School designation looks to boost opportunities for students to excel in both their sporting and academic careers with a key focus on fostering the next generation of Australian Olympians.

Tokyo 2020 Water Polo Olympian Tilly Kearns said this pathway program is a game-changer.

"It's a dream to have a pathway system like this," Tilly said. "It's such a great opportunity for these kids.

"For these kids to see the Olympic rings on the wall, something to set a goal towards and look forward to is such a motivation. A Home Olympics in 2032 will be so incredible and to have that as a long term goal is a huge driving factor."

NSHS Principal Heidi Currie welcomed the new collaboration.

"This new partnership between the AOC and our sports high schools recognises the quality of our talent development programs and support we provide to our exceptionally talented student athletes," Ms Currie said.

"Our students often need to travel to pursue their dreams, and this requires individual academic support and personalised learning approaches - which NSHS has great expertise.

"The AOC is supporting us to create opportunities for success - this encouragement is a motivating factor to help us maintain the quality of our programs aligned to Olympic sporting bodies, strengthens our existing sporting partnerships and grows our expertise as part of a global movement.

"I'm very proud of our team here at the school and excited to be part of this great partnership. As the future stars of the 2032 Olympics are in schools around the country today, I encourage all our students to have a go."

Narrabeen Sports High is the fifth school in NSW to receive this special designation, joining Hills Sports High School, Endeavour Sports High School, Westfields Sports High School and Illawarra Sports High School.

Find out more about Australian Olympic Pathway Schools here.

Australian Olympic Committee