CQU alum set to inspire the next generation at third Commonwealth Games

Taryn Gollshewsky has always 'thrown' all her energy into her passions' whether on the sports field or in the classroom.

The 29-year-old discus athlete recently qualified for her third Commonwealth Games (28 July to 8 August) in Birmingham' all while overcoming an injury and juggling life as a full-time school teacher.

"It is always an honour to be selected to represent your country – the novelty never wears off.

"Every opportunity to wear the green and gold is a privilege'" Taryn said.

"This competition is particularly special as I missed the Tokyo Olympics last year. Two months prior' I broke my tibia and fibula' meaning I was unable to throw for almost nine months.

"It was a traumatic injury and has certainly taken me a long time to get back."

Less than a year after her injury' Taryn returned to the discus field and won first place at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney.

"This was a big victory for me. I had only been back at training for eight weeks when I competed at nationals in April.

"I still have some physical limitations and weaknesses' so I endeavour to get my leg even better in the future!

"Currently' I train twice a day' five days a week. I am hoping to have a full recovery and get back in peak form."

When not at training' Taryn can be found inspiring the next generation of sports stars as a Physical Education (PE) teacher at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Bundaberg.

"I completed my Master of Teaching (Primary) through CQUniversity in 2017 and was fortunate to find a career and workplace I love.

"My Principal' Mark Fox' is incredibly supportive of me both as an educator and an athlete'" Taryn said.

"Having an academic career alongside your sporting career is always a good idea. I have found it gives me a mental reprieve from athlete life.

"Juggling both a sporting and academic career can be very challenging' but it also prepares you for a life after sport."

With less than a week until she leaves for England' Taryn said it was heartwarming to know her biggest fans will be cheering her on from home.

"The students come to school very excited whenever they see me on the news or hear me on the radio. However' within five minutes I'm back to being just regular Miss G.

"I'm simply their PE teacher' and we have a lot of fun together at school."