Olympian Tess Lloyd has swapped her Olympic sailing gear for a new role at the VIS, helping athletes share their stories and inspire Victorians. Being an athlete speaker herself, it was a full-circle moment when she returned to the classroom alongside two VIS winter athletes. Hear what makes this role so meaningful for her and how she’s helping inspire the community.
By Tess Lloyd OLY
As a Tokyo 2020 Olympian and former Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) sailor, I know firsthand how powerful it can be when an athlete shares their story. During my time as a VIS athlete, I had the chance to take part in many Community Programs.
Those visits helped shape me, not just as an athlete, but as a person. Standing in front of students and corporate groups, telling my unique story, answering their questions, it pushed me to grow in confidence, develop strong public speaking skills, meet incredible people and gave me purpose beyond competition. It reminded me that the journey to the Olympic Games is not just about medals, especially after overcoming major brain surgery, but it’s also about inspiring the next generation and bringing others along on the journey.
Now, in a full-circle moment, I’ve swapped my Olympic sailing gear for a new role as the VIS Community Program and Marketing Coordinator, helping athletes craft and share their journeys.
Image: Olympian Tess Lloyd projected on the Sydney Opera House after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Recently, I stepped back into the school environment, not as the speaker presenting as part of the program this time, but as the organiser. I joined two incredible VIS winter athletes, Dean Hewitt (Olympic Curler) and Camilla “Millie” Bongiorno (Alpine Snowboarder) at Brentwood Park Primary School.
Normally, I work behind the scenes; across government, commercial partners and all aspects of athlete relations, but that day I had the privilege of experiencing the program through a different lens.
I took photos, filmed videos, offered feedback to the athletes, and most importantly, felt the energy in the room when 250 students leaned in to listen.
Some students even had their notebooks out, ready to capture every tip! That energy took me straight back to my school visits as a VIS athlete, when I first realised the power of connecting with young people through sport and how important it is.
Image: Millie Bongiorno (left) and Dean Hewitt (right) with Brentwood Park Primary School students.
The visit was part of our Be Fit. Be Well program, delivered in partnership with School Sport Victoria.
It was great watching Dean and Millie embody the very values we want to instill; healthy living, resilience, and self-belief, while also sparking excitement for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
With the Games fast approaching, you could feel the buzz. Students and teachers were excited to meet two athletes they might soon be cheering on from their classrooms and living rooms.
Image: Dean Hewitt presenting to Brentwood Park Primary School students.
Our day started after Millie’s morning gym session at the VIS. Together we drove out to meet Dean, one of our most experienced speakers, and I could see Millie’s eagerness to learn from him.
On the way we talked through student questions, the importance of keeping her story engaging, and the key moments she wanted to highlight.
As she spoke, I was reminded of the countless times I’d had those same pre-visit nerves, preparing to share pieces of myself with a room full of curious faces.
When we walked into the school hall, 250 pairs of eyes turned expectantly to the stage. The atmosphere was electric.
Millie looked momentarily taken aback by the size of the audience, but in true athlete fashion, she steadied herself and rose to the occasion.
Dean, ever the pro, brought along his curling broom and stones so students could give it a try, always a hit! Millie’s snowboard would have been a tight squeeze in the car, but she’s planning to bring her snowboarding boots along next time.
The questions at the end were as thoughtful as they were enthusiastic.
One that stood out for me, “Do you have a lucky charm?”.
Dean explained how he’s stepped away from superstitions to stay focused and so he doesn’t risk forgetting the charm, while Millie admitted she relies on them religiously; same outfit, right shoe on first, identical warm-up routine.
Listening to them, I thought back to my superstitions on the sailing circuit, the quiet rituals I clung to for comfort before the biggest races of my life. I would often wear the same visor and travel with my favourite snacks and peanut butter to feel at home and relaxed. It’s funny how those little habits connect athletes across sports, even oceans apart.
Image: Students testing out Dean Hewitt's curling equipment.
For me, this visit was more than just another day at work. It was a reminder of how privileged I am to do something so meaningful.
Being in that hall, I felt both the weight of responsibility and the joy of giving back, a continuation of the Olympic journey that didn’t end in Tokyo but lives on in moments like these.
As Dean reflected afterwards:
“We are so lucky as athletes to share our stories, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, and to give students an insight into our sports.”
His words rang true for me, too. Inspiring students, showing them what’s possible, and encouraging them to Be Fit and Be Well, that’s the legacy I want to be part of.
All in all, it was a fantastic success.
We returned to the VIS in one piece, tired but energised, and I couldn’t help but think: this is why I do what I do.
Learn more about the Be Fit. Be Well program here.
