A proud Victorian, Jess Hansen began competitive swimming at a junior level with @mlcaquatic, before transitioning to @nunawading_swimming_club where she made her first Australian Dolphins team for the 2016 World Short Course Championships. 💚💛 It was a successful debut for Jess, claiming Bronze as part of the 4x100m Medley Relay team.
A year later she claimed Bronze again in the Medley Relay at her first long course World Championships in Budapest before commencing what would prove to be a memorable year in 2018. She represented Australia at three major international competitions: the Commonwealth Games, Pan Pacific Championships, and World Short Course Championships. Jess claimed several medals at these events, but most notable were the medley relay Gold and individual Silver at the Pan Pacific Championships. Jess’s commitment to culture, compassion and making those around her better was also recognised by her teammates in 2018 as she was elected an Athlete Leader for the Olympic program on the path to Tokyo. 🙌
Jess again proved central to success of the Women’s Medley Relay team, claiming another Silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, before setting her sights on the ultimate goal of the Tokyo Games. Proudly representing the @cruizswimclub from Canberra, Jess competed at the 2021 Olympic trials where she swam a season best time of 1:06.69 to finish second in the 100m breaststroke and achieve her childhood dream of qualifying for the Olympics.
A beloved teammate, widely respected athlete and celebrated leader, Jess’s time in the pool may have come to a close but her contribution to swimming will continue as she continues to advocate for her fellow athletes as a member of the World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee. 👏
Congratulations on a wonderful career Jess, you will be missed!
#DolphinForLife #772
