It was a proud and inspiring day at Queen’s College when alumna and Olympian Rebecca Wilde returned to the school after her recent triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she clinched a bronze medal in the women’s double scull event. Wilde, once a student walking the very halls of Queen’s College was now back, not only as a former pupil but as an inspiring humble role model and Olympian!

Wilde’s return to Queen’s College was steeped in nostalgia as she toured the school grounds, reconnecting with the memories of her formative years. Walking together, it was clear that this was more than a trip down memory lane—it was a celebration of the extraordinary athlete she had become.

An Olympian Strolling Through Queen’s College History

Our tour of Queen’s College began with a visit to the prestigious sporting boards and trophy cases that celebrate the school’s top athletes and leaders. These boards, engraved with names from past and present, showcased Wilde’s remarkable swimming accomplishments and her Victrix Ludorum award—one of the college’s highest honours. Her legacy now also extends to the hall of fame, where her signed rowing memorabilia holds a prominent place in the dedicated Sports Scholars area, inside the Strength and Conditioning gym used by students.

The Victrix Ludorum award, bestowed upon students for excellence in sports and character, was something Wilde had earned years before her Olympic debut. Seeing the award next to her name again evoked a sense of full-circle pride. “This school shaped so much of who I am today,” Wilde remarked, gazing at the award.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Olympians

Prior to the Games, Mrs Wilde (Mum and teacher at Queen’s handed me a cut out from the Independent Schools Sport magazine, dated 2014, in which she had been featured during her time at Queen’s College. In the article, she boldly stated, “My ultimate goal is to go to the Olympics.”

Reflecting on that moment, I asked her during the assembly if she ever imagined that rowing, not swimming, would be the sport to take her there. Wilde smiled and admitted, “At the time, I was fully focused on swimming and never thought I’d switch sports. But as I grew and my passion for rowing developed, it became clear that this was the path that would lead me to my Olympic dream.” Her journey from swimming to rowing served as a powerful reminder to the students that sometimes the road to success takes unexpected but rewarding turns.

Throughout our walk, Wilde reflected on her time at Queen’s College and how it had been instrumental in her journey to becoming an Olympian. From the dedication of her teachers and coaches to the community’s encouragement. Wilde attributed much of her success to the solid foundation she built at Queen’s throughout her journey which spanned the Nursery School all the way through Sixth Form.

An Olympian coming home

Wilde’s return to the school was more than just a homecoming—it became a source of inspiration for current students. As we prepared for the special senior assembly, styled like a chat show, Wilde—now an Olympian—radiated both joy and humility. When she took the stage, the senior school community greeted her with a long, standing ovation, a powerful reflection of the admiration and Queen’s pride shared by all.

Her presence at the chat show-style assembly left a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Not only did she speak eloquently and confidently, but she also modelled the very behaviours of discipline, humility, and resilience that she advocates.

Despite her success, Wilde’s responses were humbling and down-to-earth, emphasising that her journey was not without challenges. When asked about how she stays calm under pressure, Wilde revealed a surprising yet relatable coping mechanism—reading Harry Potter. She shared how, even in the most stressful moments, immersing herself in the magical world of Hogwarts helped her relax and maintain focus. This candid admission showed students that even Olympians have simple, personal strategies for managing stress, further cementing her status as a relatable and inspiring role model.

The future looks incredibly bright for Rebecca Wilde. Her competitive talents now shine on the world stage, and her qualities as a role model are more evident than ever. It was a true pleasure to welcome her back to Queen’s College, and we look forward to watching her continue to develop, flourish, and inspire as both an athlete and a leader in the years to come.

Author – Mr Tom Bell

Mr Tom Bell, Director of Sport, joined Queen’s College Taunton in August 2023. Mr Bell began his teaching career in Dorset before becoming Head of PE in Doha, Qatar, shortly after the State was awarded the World Cup in 2022. He spent 6 great years in the country with his wife and two daughters and become Director of Sport of a large International School. After leaving Qatar, Mr Bell moved to Bangkok, Thailand, to work at a large international school with ‘world-class’ status where he was appointed as Director of Sport.