Taking strides in sport and science

For most people, pursuing a medical degree or competing at the Olympics would each be a challenge on their own. But Jemima Montag is doing both.

A dual race-walking Olympic bronze medallist and full-time medical student at the University of Melbourne, Jemima has, at moments, doubted her ability to nurture both her passions.

“It certainly hasn't been a glamorous or smooth juggle,” Jemima says. “There's been times where I've nearly given up on both of the endeavours.”

What’s encouraged her to persevere, Jemima says, is the support behind her – including the Andrew and Geraldine Buxton Athletics Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an elite athlete studying at the University of Melbourne, and offers a stipend, along with strength and conditioning programming and coaching, physiotherapy clinic access, and academic and administrative support.

Jemima says the scholarship has been integral to her ability to juggle sport and study without burnout.

“Between two training sessions a day, and then many hours at the hospital, there is absolutely no time for me to have any sort of part-time job,” she says. “So just to lighten the load of that stress, through the Buxton Scholarship, has certainly enabled me to pull this off.”

But beyond the alleviation of financial stress, the scholarship has also powered Jemima’s belief in herself, giving her tangible evidence of the community of supporters that have rallied behind her career.

It's a lovely vote of confidence.

“I know that Melbourne University Sport and by extension, the Buxtons, believe in my potential,” she says.

Walking the talk

Jemima’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a milestone, both personally and for the nation. She won bronze in the 20km race walk and backed it up six days later with another bronze in the inaugural mixed relay event, making her the first Australian woman in over 50 years to win two medals in track and field at a single Games. Just as powerful was her post-race message urging young girls to stay in sport, not for medals, but for the sense of belonging and leadership it builds.

The multiple-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Oceania record holder, and World Championships silver medallist, continues to lead on and off the track, using her platform to inspire the next generation. Through her public health initiative Play On, she and fellow athletes are trying to break down the barriers to sports participation for young girls, encouraging thousands of students to get active.

Now studying an integrated Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine, Jemima hopes to one day use her skills to work on upstream health solutions, preventing illnesses before they start.

With the 2028 LA Olympics in her sights, and another round of medical school exams up ahead, Jemima continues to keep up the pace toward her dreams, no matter what arena they are in.