Richmond Olympic medallist Evan Dunfee is not just an inspiration on the track, he’s also an inspiration off it.
Case in point recently at Hugh Boyd secondary, where race walker Dunfee made a presentation about resilience to an English 12 class.
Given that Dunfee is a 50-kilometre specialist – winning bronze in dramatic fashion at the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo two years ago – there are few people better placed to talk about setting goals and never giving up.
Class teacher Jennifer Hayden said Dunfee was a perfect fit for the theme the students have been working on.
And she said he made quite an impression, with many of them thanking him personally for coming along.
“The presentation was just amazing. He shared his life story of wanting to become an Olympian, the obstacles he's faced, and his dreams for the future,” Hayden told the Richmond News.
“The students were fascinated with the story of Evan and were so excited to get a picture with him.”
Hayden said she found the theme of resilience important for Grade 12s to reflect on, because “they are only in high school for the next few months before stepping into the real world.”
“I want them to go after their dreams and understand that failure in doing so isn't a bad thing.
“I want my students to work towards something big and exciting and understand that it'll be a bumpy road, but worth it in the end.”
After the presentation, a few of the students took a moment to say they were motivated to make new goals and work toward them.
