Kids get kick out of athlete’s quest for Olympic glory
An aspiring Queensland taekwondo athlete has spent three days in Cairns encouraging primary school students to chase their dreams.
Jessica Borg toured the region as part of the Olympics Unleashed program, explaining what it takes to become an Olympic athlete, including the benefits but also the struggles behind the scenes.
Across the three days, Borg told her story to seven schools across the Far North.
“I explained what got me into the chasing this dream to become an Olympic athlete,” Borg said.
“And it can be quite tough because we are talking to years three to years six.
“So the attention span of some kids isn’t always focused on you, so it is all about keeping them focused.
“But I love speaking and entertaining so I have been lucky enough to not have too much of an issue with it so far.”
Borg took up taekwondo at the age of six after being diagnosed with Low Muscle Tone Disorder.
Borg was considered “small” for someone who wanted to take up the sport, but it has not stopped her becoming one of the best athletes in Queensland.
“That actually inspired me and motivated me as well as the people who have gone through it as well and achieved what they have achieved,” Borg said.
“I have made multiple national teams from 2018 until now, and I feel like I have achieved so much.
“But I still want to achieve more.
“Being considered short for the sport is quite funny, I am 163 centimetres where a lot of other people are above 170-175.”
Now age 23, Borg is chasing that Olympic dream as she eyes the Paris Olympics in 2024.