Olivia Clare

Olivia’s passion for sport at high school led her to enrol in a Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance at the University of Waikato. Her decision was influenced by a former student from her high school, who presented on the opportunities available in high-performance sport through his work at the University.  

“I grew up doing sport and knew that was where I wanted to work. I was coaching swimming at high school and was weighing up that or physiotherapy – in the end I felt coaching suited me more.” 

Expecting to go into the field of sports science, Olivia was soon exposed to the sociology of sport, which positively influenced her career trajectory in ways she didn’t expect. 

The Summer Research Scholarship opened a lot of doors I didn’t realise were an option. I looked at the talent identification and development practises within Paralympic sport in New Zealand which was a major catalyst for where I am now.

She then chose to stay on at the University, completing a Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance on ableism within the coach development system of New Zealand. 

Olivia is now employed by Australian Athletics as a seated throws coach in the Queensland Academy of Sport Gen2032 Project Para coach development programme. This programme is aimed at advancing Australian para-athletes in anticipation of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics.   

She puts her success down to being open to opportunities.  

“You can always have a plan, but the plan can change and the best thing to do is lean into that – that’s the exciting part about university.”