Jacqui Cooper paid a visit to Werribee school students last week. 69206 Picture: XAVIER SMERDON
By XAVIER SMERDON
WERRIBEE primary school students were given a healthy dose of inspiration when one of Australia’s most successful athletes gave them a visit.
Four-time world cup winning aerial skier Jacquie Cooper spoke to students at Thomas Chirnside Primary School in Werribee about her rollercoaster experience as a professional athlete.
Ms Cooper spoke about her 20-year career and how the students should pick themselves up every time they fall down.
“80 per cent of my day was spent crashing, it’s actually very hard to do a jump,” Ms Cooper told the class.
“I’ve had 25 operations on my body. My knees, shoulders and hips are all new. I’ve even broken my back and smashed my face.
“A lot of people wonder why you would keep doing it.”
The students had the rare opportunity to ask question of the first person to represent Australia at five Olympic Games.
The kids asked questions about everything from how many crashes she has had, to who is her inspiration.
Ms Cooper told the kids to set goals and try their hardest to see them through.
“Everything that I have achieved, it only came true because of the plans and goals that I set for myself,” she said.
Nine-year-old Blake Durowiz said he was inspired by the visit.
“I liked seeing how they train and I really liked the videos she showed,” Blake said.
