Paris Olympian Paige Barr returned to where it all began recently when she visited Gippsland Grammar.
Growing up in Lakes Entrance, Ms Barr attended Gippsland Grammar’s Sale campus from year seven to year 12, serving as rowing captain in her final year in 2019.
She joined the school’s program in 2015 as a way to make new friends, but it ignited a passion that has since blossomed into international success.
At the recent Olympic Games, Ms Barr was a key member of Australia’s women’s eight, narrowly missing out on a medal in the final.
Global success has not diminished the impact of Ms Barr’s formative rowing years.
Her visit to her former school was an opportunity to share her story, inspire students and to thank her first rowing coach – Gippsland Grammar’s director of rowing Nick Bartlett – for helping her become a world-class athlete.
“I’ve always remembered when (Mr Bartlett) said to me that there’s always enough in the tank for one more,” Ms Barr said. “He’s right, and it’s something I often think about, even now.”
During her visit, Ms Barr delivered a presentation to the school’s rowing students, detailing her transition from Sale’s Thomson River to France’s Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. She shared insights into her rigorous training regimen and what it was like to compete at an Olympics.
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Ms Barr said.
“There was 400 metres of grandstands along the course and the noise and the media attention was just unbelievable. The whole event was set up for television and it was such a special thing to be part of. But when I felt overwhelmed at the start line, I just reminded myself to put my oar in the water and push, which is exactly what I know how to do.”
Students had the chance to ask Ms Barr questions about her diet, recovery strategies, and whether she’s ever considered quitting.
Ms. Barr also revealed her favourite pre-race song is X-Terra’s rendition of I Like The Way You Move.
Ms Barr shared her joy at returning to Gippsland Grammar and the students loved having such a high-profile former student return and share her story, which started in the same place where they now stand.
“I love coming back to my old school,” Ms Barr said.
“I have so many great memories of rowing here and I’ve always loved cheering Gippsland Grammar rowers when I see them at regattas.”
Ms Barr returned to East Gippsland to visit family on her return from the Olympics and said she already has her sights set on the 2028 LA Olympics and winning gold. Her message to students is simple: “Tick off every session as the coach wants you to, but also remember to have fun.”
Gippsland Grammar was the first school east of Melbourne to establish a rowing program in the 1960s and has a proud tradition of nurturing talent. Paige Barr is among several rowers who began their journey at the school and have continued to excel at state, national and worldwide levels.
Fellow Old Scholar Fergus Hamilton, who attended Gippsland Grammar from 2012, also competed at the Paris Olympics in the Men’s Coxless Four.
Earlier this year, director of rowing Nick Bartlett represented Australia at the Rowing World Cup II in Switzerland and won bronze in the Men’s PR3 single scull at the National Rowing Championships in Sydney.
Additionally, year 12 student Ella Gerrand and year 11 student Scarlett Tavasci were selected by Rowing Victoria for its Rowing Pathway State Team, and the school’s Female Schoolgirls Coxed Quad won the Division one race at the Head of the Schoolgirls regatta in Geelong for the first time in 14 years.
In 2022, year 12 students Lindsay Hamilton and Billy Osborne represented Australia at the World Championships in Italy, and the school’s men’s under-19 coxless quad, including Hamilton, Osborne, Anthony Smith, and Cameron Rule, competed at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom.
Mr Bartlett said it was incredibly inspiring for more than 100 members of the current Rowing program to have the opportunity to speak to Ms Barr.
“It was fantastic for Paige to come back to school to talk to our rowers,” Mr Bartlett said.
“She’s always taken steps to maintain her connection to Gippsland Grammar, which is unsurprising as her attitude towards rowing and teamwork has always been excellent.
“During her final year at school it was like she flicked a switch when she set herself the goal of getting a seat in the VIC youth under-21 eight and I could see a change in determination in the way she approached and conducted herself in every session.
“We’re so proud of everything she’s achieved and can’t wait for the next four years.”
