Australia Olympic Committee chief executive Matt Carroll speaks during the Olympic Unleashed unveiling at Ainslie School in Canberra ©Getty Images

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced an extension to its Olympics Unleashed programme, which sees athletes visit students to share their Olympic journey and inspire them to find their passions. 

The AOC initiative was launched in September 2018 and has seen Olympians and Paralympians, including judokas Nathan and Josh Katz, visit classrooms across Queensland to help inspire the students to also overcome challenges.

Olympians Marianna Tolo from basketball and hockey's Louise Dobson joined Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Yvette Berry and AOC chief executive Matt Carroll for to announce the project's extension Ainslie School in Braddon in Canberra. 

"Olympians have inspiring stories that go beyond sport," Carroll said. 

"They bring to life the importance of finding a passion, setting goals and building resilience to overcome challenges."

Australian basketballer Marianna Tolo joined students in Canberra to announce the extension of Olympics Unleashed at an event attended by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Yvette Berry ©Getty Images
Australian basketballer Marianna Tolo joined students in Canberra to announce the extension of Olympics Unleashed at an event attended by the Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Yvette Berry ©Getty Images

Carroll revealed an additional 30 Olympians and athletes aspiring for Tokyo 2020 and beyond will be trained to deliver the programme across the Australian Capital Territory, with the first visits beginning at the end of August.

Canberra Capitals player Tolo, who competed at Rio 2016, is excited to join the programme.

"I hope my story can show students that it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, if you keep turning up and working hard you can achieve anything you set your mind to," she said. 

"When I was a student Cathy Freeman visited our school - it was such a privilege and it stirred my love of the Olympics even more. 

"The Olympic spirit is so powerful, there’s really nothing that can match it in Australian sport and to be able to spread that feeling and inspiration is awesome."