Bendigo’s own Jenna Strauch has come of age in recent years as a world-class breaststroker, fulfilling the promise she showed right from her earliest years in the pool. Now a two-time Olympian, Jenna is one of the leaders of the current Australian Dolphins squad, arguably the greatest swim team the country has ever assembled.
After taking up swimming at the age of 12, primarily as a way of having fun with her friends, the daughter of former Carlton AFL player Dean Strauch took only three years to find herself competing in the world junior championships. Then, on the cusp of selection in her first National senior team at just 15, Jenna’s swimming dream was almost ripped away after a prolonged battle with parasites, which saw her in and out of hospital for two years.
She overcame this setback to make her first Australian team in 2018, before her debut Olympics in Tokyo in 2021. Jenna has medaled at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and now Olympic Games, most recently as a member of the Women’s 4x100m Medley relay team that won Silver on the final night of the Paris swimming program and celebrated by jumping into the pool following the medal ceremony.
Australia’s performance in Paris ranks as one of its greatest ever from a swimming perspective and, as one of its most respected figures, Jenna can provide a unique commentary on just how good this current team is.
Jenna’s insights on leadership, perseverance, staring adversity in the face and performing under the pressure of the brightest lights in international sport make for an intriguing conversation.
Talking Points
Setbacks Provide Comebacks
After taking up swimming at the age of 12, primarily as a way of having fun with her friends, the daughter of former Carlton AFL player Dean Strauch took only three years to find herself competing in the world junior championships. Then, on the cusp of selection in her first National senior team at just 15, Jenna’s swimming dream was almost ripped away after a prolonged battle with parasites, which saw her in and out of hospital for two years.Setbacks Provide Comebacks
She overcame this setback to make her first Australian team in 2018, before her debut Olympics in Tokyo in 2021. Jenna has medaled at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and now Olympic Games, most recently as a member of the Women’s 4x100m Medley relay team that won Silver on the final night of the Paris swimming program and celebrated by jumping into the pool following the medal ceremony.
Key Takeaways: Jenna’s insights on leadership, perseverance, staring adversity in the face and performing under the pressure of the brightest lights in international sport make for an intriguing conversation.
