Minerva Network is thrilled to announced that four-time Olympian Cate Campbell OAM OLY has accepted the role of Minerva Council Athlete Representative.
Announcing the appointment, Minerva Network Chair and Co-Founder Christine McLoughlin AM said that Cate has been a cornerstone of Australia’s swimming success for almost a decade and is well placed to represent the athlete voice at Minerva’s highest levels.
“Cate has been a Minerva Athlete and part of the mentoring program for many years and I’m delighted to now welcome her to this leadership role,” Ms McLoughlin said.
“As a Minerva Council member, Cate will provide insights into what athletes value from Minerva in both our current and future pro bono programs, initiatives and opportunities for professional women athletes.
“She will sit alongside the Minerva board, our state and territory chapter leaders, and the executive team to contribute to meaningful progress for Australian sportswomen and an enduring impact for women and our communities generally.”
One of Australia’s greatest swimmers, Cate’s lasting legacy on Australian Swimming began just weeks after her 16th birthday at her maiden Olympics where she left Beijing with two Bronze medals. She went on to three more Olympics, winning eight Olympic medals, including four Gold, and 29 other major international medals from World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.
Outside the pool, Cate has received an OAM for her services to sport and is an ambassador for the Melanoma Institute of Australia after being diagnosed with a Stage 1 melanoma in 2018. She chaired the Australian Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission and from 2013-2021 was a member of the Australian Dolphins Athlete Leadership Group.
Cate is looking forward to building her impactful legacy outside the pool.
“The Minerva Network is a group of powerful, intelligent women who are passionate about supporting female athletes. I am so fortunate to be involved in the network, benefitting from the knowledge and experience of so many successful women.
“The chance to be matched with a personal mentor in Professor Sarah Kelly OAM to help guide me through the different phases of my sporting journey has been and will continue to be invaluable, particularly as I navigate the tricky transition out of sport.
“Minerva is supporting more than 880 sportswomen from 76 sports and I’m honoured to represent them and bring an athlete’s perspective to the Minerva Council.”
Cate’s one-year term on the Minerva Council will see her provide input into Minerva’s core athlete programs including learning and development, networking, and mentorship. She will also convene Minerva Network’s first Athlete Leadership Group to embed the athlete voice into Minerva’s program planning and decision making.
Christine McLoughlin thanked and paid tribute to Australian cricketer and Minerva Athlete Rachael Haynes who has just completed her term as Minerva Council Athlete Representative.
