Trinity Students Welcome Former Olympian

Former Olympic cyclist and bronze medalist Alex Porter visited Trinity College on Wednesday 7 August to speak with students about his experiences as an elite athlete as well as host a workshop for student leaders. 

Alex shared with students his journey to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 where he won a bronze medal. While his path to the Olympics was exceptionally challenging, Alex shared that one of his darkest days actually occurred during the 4000m men’s team pursuit qualification, when the handlebars of his bike snapped at around 1200 metres and he crashed into the floor of the velodrome at 75km/h suffering friction burns to his face, arms and legs and only narrowly avoiding more serious injury. 

After he passed a concussion test the team was allowed a second attempt at qualifying only 20 minutes after the accident but, the shock of the incident, combined with the distance they had already ridden meant they finished fifth in qualification and their gold medal dream was over. Despite this major and unexpected setback, Alex and the team rallied and went on to win the bronze, the highest medal possible after their fifth place in qualifying and the only track cycling medal Australia would win at Tokyo.

Alex spoke to students about how to be the best version of themselves in the classroom, the sporting field and at home and that while unexpected obstacles and setbacks can and will occur, not to give up and keep working towards their goals.  

Students responded positively to Alex’s message and were intrigued by his personal story and how it might apply to them.

Alex also had the opportunity to meet a group of students participating in the College LAP Program who for the past three weeks, have held their own LAPlympics. The students have engaged in various events together building their connections, relationships, resilience, creativity and teamwork among other skills. They were excited to have the opportunity to ask Alex questions before a group photo.

All the students and staff send their thanks to Alex for being such an inspiring athlete and presenter!