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The Podium Program

The Podium Program is an athlete development program that endeavours to support talented student athletes achieve at the highest level of performance in their chosen sport.

The main focus of the Podium Program is to provide students involved in elite pathway training with additional support, as they navigate their way through their busy training and school schedules. The Podium Program is a holistic program that focuses on athlete development, well-being and academic support, as required. In addition, students participating in the program will be expected to attend ‘Master Classes’ by professionals in peak sporting bodies. Examples of sessions and topics covered will include:

  • Physical improvements
  • Mental adaptability
  • Time management
  • Performance planning
  • Media
  • Integrity
Apply for the Podium Program at CGGS
Successful applicants
Will benefit from
Are expected to

Will benefit from

  • Recognition as a ‘Podium Program Athlete’ in 2023
  • Support and monitoring of sport performance, academic engagement and well-being by the Head of Sport and Teachers in Charge of Sports, including regular meetings throughout 2023
  • Access to the 2023 CGGS Sport ‘Master Classes’
  • Access to strength and conditioning at CGGS (to be discussed with the Head of Sport)

Are expected to

  • Attend each of the ‘Master Classes’
  • Represent the school in sport (either at gala days, carnivals or weekend sport)
  • Be an active role model in sport at CGGS.
2023 Proposed CGGS Sport Master Class Series schedule
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4

Term 1

Proposed date: Friday, 10 March 7.30am-8.30am (Week 6)

  • Season Launch - Introduction to the Podium Program including expectations, program overview and how CGGS can best support our student athletes
  • Address from the Principal
  • Parents and students of the Podium Program invited to attend
  • Career advice and support from Head of Careers and Tertiary Pathways Dr Jessica Dietrich*. Topics will include pathway to success through school/sport balance, US College System, opportunities within the Australia University systems, and additional support available for pathway athletes
  • Address from a Grammarian (guest to be confirmed)*. Topics will include life as a student athlete in Canberra, challenges, success stories, pathway journey, and advice to future student athletes.

*Guest speakers and dates subject to change

Term 2

Proposed date: Friday, 19 May 7.30am – 8.30am (Week 4)

Guest speaker: Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer

  • Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer has an accomplished career as one of Swimming's most respected coaches. She has a wealth of experience in technical excellence, planning, education and athlete well-being. Tracey is well known in Swimming, having coached Ian Thorpe to two golds, one silver and one bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. She was the Team Coach of six Australian teams including the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, and Head Coach for six Australian Youth and World University teams. Tracey has recently been appointed by Swimming Australia as the Technical Lead, as part of the Swimming Australia Coaching Leadership Team.
  • Topics will include mental preparation and planning for training and competition - how athletes can best prepare for major competition, dealing with performance anxiety, positive mindset, and overcoming challenges and adversity.

Term 3

Proposed date: Friday, 18 August 7.30-8.30am (Week 5)

  • Holly Furling* - former Australian Cricketer, current ACT Meteor and Perth Scorchers athlete, freelance sports presenter for Channel 7
  • Holly brings a wealth of experience as a current professional athlete and commentator. Holly will discuss her journey and pathway as an elite athlete from local to the international arena. In particular, Holly will discuss media and how to develop a positive media profile, how to effectively present yourself to the media and how to attract personal sponsors. Holly will also discuss integrity in sport from an athlete’s perspective and how to be aware of the do’s and don’ts in sport (alcohol, drugs, positive role modelling).

*Guest speakers and dates subject to change

Term 4

Proposed date: Friday, 3 November 7.30-8.30am (Week 4)

  • Angela Reakes* - current Meteor Cricket Player, previous Big Bash League (BBL) player, strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist
  • Angela will provide an account of her life as a professional athlete, as well as cover topics including the importance of physical preparation for peak performance, nutrition in sport, education pathways, women’s sport, pathway opportunities, mental resilience in sport and juggling life as a professional athlete and mother.

*Guest speakers and dates subject to change

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