Emily Lamb

Through my journey as an athlete, I’ve seen how common it is for mental fitness to be pushed aside in favour of focusing purely on performance and results. However, after facing significant hurdles in my own life, I realised how important mental fitness is when navigating these setbacks. While it may sound simple, I’ve learned that confidence, a positive mindset, and surrounding yourself with supportive people are just as important as physical skill or ability. 

As a recent high school graduate and current second-year Radiography student, I hope to draw on my recent experiences of balancing academic commitments with elite sport. Alongside my growing knowledge in the healthcare field, I want to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives by understanding the unique pressures they face today and showing empathy for their experiences. I hope to support young people by sharing my personal journey, including the challenges I’ve faced with injury, setbacks, and balancing sport with other areas of life. By being open about these experiences, I aim to show that setbacks are a normal part of growth and that building mental strength can help people move forward with confidence. 

I aim to encourage young people to prioritise their mental wellbeing, develop resilience and self-belief, and build strong support networks. By helping to normalise conversations around mental health, I hope to reduce the stigma that can prevent young people from speaking up and seeking support. Ultimately, I hope delivering this program will empower young Australians to look out for one another and feel confident having open conversations about their mental health.