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 engage in various Community Programs. These visits not only shaped my athletic journey but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.
Standing before students and corporate groups, recounting my unique experiences, fueled my confidence and honed my public speaking skills. More importantly, it provided me with a sense of purpose beyond the competition. After navigating major brain surgery, I realized that the road to the Olympic Games is not solely about medals. It’s also about inspiring the next generation and taking others along on the journey.
Now, in this full-circle moment, I’ve transitioned from wearing my Olympic sailing gear to taking on a new role as the VIS Community Program and Marketing Coordinator. In this capacity, I have the exhilarating opportunity to help athletes craft and share their own narratives.
Image: Olympian Tess Lloyd projected on the Sydney Opera House after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Recently, I found myself back in a school environment—not as a speaker but as the organizer. Teaming up with two extraordinary VIS winter athletes, Dean Hewitt (Olympic Curler) and Camilla “Millie” Bongiorno (Alpine Snowboarder), I ventured to Brentwood Park Primary School.
Typically, my role happens behind the scenes: working with government partners, commercial stakeholders, and managing athlete relations. Yet, on this day, I had the privilege to experience our program through a new lens.
I captured photos, filmed videos, offered feedback to the athletes—and most importantly, felt the infectious energy in the room as 250 eager students leaned forward to listen. Some even had notebooks ready to jot down every insightful tip! This vibrant atmosphere transported me back to my own school visits as a VIS athlete, where I discovered the impactful connection between sport and young minds.
Image: Millie Bongiorno (left) and Dean Hewitt (right) with Brentwood Park Primary School students.
This visit was part of our Be Fit. Be Well program, executed in partnership with School Sport Victoria. One of the highlights of the day was witnessing Dean and Millie embody the core values we strive to instill: healthy living, resilience, and self-belief. The buzz was palpable as we counted down to the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, a time of excitement both in the athletes’ hearts and among the students and teachers present.
Image: Dean Hewitt presenting to Brentwood Park Primary School students.
Our day kicked off after Millie’s morning gym session at the VIS. On our drive to meet Dean, I could sense Millie’s eagerness to learn from one of our most experienced speakers. We discussed potential student questions, the importance of keeping her story engaging, and the key moments she wanted to emphasize.
As we arrived, 250 pairs of eyes turned expectantly toward the stage, creating an electric atmosphere. Millie initially seemed taken aback by the size of the audience, but as true athletes often do, she steadied herself and rose to the occasion. Dean, a pro at engaging young audiences, brought his curling broom and stones for a hands-on experience, much to the students’ delight. Millie, planning ahead, aims to bring her snowboarding gear next time for an even richer engagement.
The Q&A session was equally exhilarating, with thoughtful questions arising from the students’ enthusiasm. One standout query was about lucky charms. Dean explained how he moved away from superstitions to maintain focus, whereas Millie admitted to holding on to her cherished rituals, emphasizing her specific warm-up routine and clothing. Listening to them made me reminisce about my own superstitions on the sailing circuit, my little comfort habits before major races—like wearing the same visor and having my favorite snacks on hand.
Image: Students testing out Dean Hewitt’s curling equipment.
This visit represented much more than just another day at work for me. It reaffirmed how privileged I feel to engage in something so meaningful. While in that hall, I felt the weight of responsibility mixed with the joy of giving back—a continuation of my Olympic journey that, rather than ending in Tokyo, thrives in moments like these.
As Dean remarked 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 sentiments resonated deeply with me as well. Inspiring students, showcasing possibilities, and encouraging them to embrace a mantra of Being Fit and Well—that’s the legacy I aspire to be part of.
All in all, it was a fantastic success. I returned to the VIS energized, a little weary yet full of purpose, thinking: this is why I do what I do.
Learn more about the Be Fit. Be Well program here.