Students from Horsham College, Horsham Primary School, Horsham West and Haven Primary School and Horsham’s St Brigid’s College were eager to ask the former Australian backstroke swimmer questions. 

Primary school students were able to have a fun Olympic experience with Ms Hocking who brought her medals for them to try on. 

At Horsham College and St Brigid’s College, Ms Hocking offered advice on how to achieve a balance between sport and education. 

Twelve students from St Brigid’s College attended the talk with Ms Hocking. They asked her questions about her Olympic journey, the famous athletes she met at the Olympic Village, her attitude towards training and how she balanced her education and athletic career. 

Ms Hocking stressed to the students the importance of education. 

“Sport is really important to get outside and get fit and healthy, but education is more important,” she said. 

“I am now retired and while sport will always be apart of my life, it is not my focus anymore and I have to fall back on my academics.” 

She said to achieve a balance between school and sport students need to concentrate on their time management and communication with their teachers.

St Brigid’s College Year 12 student Danae McDonald said hearing Ms Hocking’s journey and advice was helpful. 

She said she liked how relaxed and open Ms Hocking made the conversation. 

“I will take on board her tip about organisation and communication with teachers. They are there to support us and improving my communication with them would help,” she said.  

Year 12 student Sebastian Dalgleish said Ms Hocking offered insightful tips on achieving a balance between school and sport. 

“I can definitely take on board her advice especially improving my time management skills, which will be useful in year 12,” he said.