Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program

Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program

We are delighted to extend an invitation to Pymble student-athletes for a keynote on Performance Nutrition and Positive Body Image for Female Athletes, presented by Melissa Juergens. 

This keynote session is scheduled for Tuesday 21 May from 3.45pm to 5.15pm held in the Jobson Lecture Theatre in the Kate Mason Building.

Melissa Juergens, an accredited and practicing dietitian, as well as an accredited sports dietitian, will cover several pivotal topics, including:

  • Fuelling for Performance: Emphasising the importance of a balanced and adequate nutritional approach to meet the demands of performance.
  • Debunking Myths: Addressing common misconceptions surrounding the “ideal” female athlete body and the risks associated with under-fuelling. 
  • Practical Nutrition Guidance: Offering practical advice on nutrition before and after training/competitions to support heavy training loads and optimal recovery.
  • Uniqueness of Nutritional Needs: Reiterating the crucial understanding that athletes should not compare their diets to their peers, as their nutritional requirements are distinct and specifically tailored to their individual sporting needs. 

Our goal for this session is to nurture an informative space where both student-athletes and their parents can acquire a deeper comprehension of these subjects, fostering healthy habits and a positive body image among our Pymble athletes. At the conclusion of the presentation, there will be an opportunity for attendees to engage in a Q&A segment.

Melissa Juergens has a commendable background, contributing her expertise as the Head Sports Dietitian for the GWS Giants AFL, Giants Netball, Waratahs Men and Waratahs Women team. With a mission to demystify diet and nutrition, Melissa is dedicated to helping individuals view food beyond mere calories. Her approach encourages a balanced diet that doesn’t impose unnecessary restrictions but instead supports individuals in becoming the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves, enabling them to thrive in our dynamic world.

We encourage all Pymble student-athletes and their parents to attend this invaluable presentation. The keynote is open to any student-athlete in Years 7 to 12 and their parent/carer who represent Pymble in a sporting team.

If you would like to attend the keynote, please complete the RSVP below. Students and parents are also encouraged to complete the following AIS education modules from the Female Performance and Health Initiative prior to the keynote presentation.

1. Body Image in Female Athletes: https://static.ausport.gov.au/fphi/module-11/#/

2. Low Energy Availability:https://static.ausport.gov.au/fphi/module-13/#/

3. Nutrition for Female Athletes: https://static.ausport.gov.au/fphi/module-14/#/ 

Due to limited numbers, parents/carers and students are requested to RSVP if they are wishing to attend the presentation. 

Please RSVP by clicking here no later than 3.00pm on Friday 17 May.

Skye Halliday

Co-ordinator – Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program