Olympians focus beyond the finish line with Bond microcredentials

They proved their credentials at Tokyo, now Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes have earned microcredentials from Bond University.

While they were a study of focus in Tokyo, more than 20 Olympic athletes have since undergone executive training and professional development courses online with Bond.

The Bond University Microcredentials courses were designed in response to market needs and developed in collaboration with industry partners.

“The idea was to give the athletes something to do in quarantine that would be beneficial for their careers,” said Bond Business School Associate Professor of Sport Management, Dr Lisa Gowthorp.

The subjects, ranging from digital literacy, data analytics, legal and project management courses, offer athletes a chance to upskill, advance their career and gain credits towards future study at Bond.

For two-time Olympic kayaker Alyssa Bull, completing the Sports Coaching: Essential Communication Skills course was a great way to improve her communications skill both as a future coach and also help her work as a firefighter. 

“I wouldn’t mind doing some work with the recruits down at the (firefighting) academy and perhaps being a recruit instructor for the new recruits coming through,” Ms Bull said.

“The communication skills will be very helpful and could also help me with casual coaching.

“It is great to add it to the resume.

“It was nice and easy to follow, to have videos to watch and listen to as well helped because I’m a visual learner, it made a big difference for me.”

The Burleigh kayaker finished fifth in the K2 500m and has plans to go into coaching both in her sport and with her career in the firefighters.

She said both occupations carry nerves and excitement.

“There is nothing like racing and lining up for those last couple of minutes before an Olympic final in the green and gold uniform,” Bull said.

“It is beyond words.

“It is also exciting and nerve-racking when you are off to a big job and if it is a structure fire, for example. You are trained to do everything you can to help in that situation but you are never sure what exactly you are going to get thrown.

“You have to think on your feet and be a little more dynamic.

“In the Olympics, you know exactly what your race plan is.”

The Microcredentials courses at Bond University were available to all Olympic athletes in quarantine and now are being offered to returning Paralympic athletes.