Mindset for medals as medley star swims through studies

By Mary Bolling

At just 21 years old, Australian swimmer Ella Ramsay is already an Olympic silver medallist – and the CQUniversity student is achieving big things outside the pool, too. 

In the third year of her Bachelor of Psychological Science, the Ipswich star is determined to build a career helping kids and families.

Ella began her degree in 2023, and a year later was off to Paris 2024 with the Australian Dolphins, reaching the podium in the Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay.

At the same meet, contracting COVID meant missing another event, but her psych knowledge helped her manage the rollercoaster of emotions.

“One key thing I’ve learnt is the importance of mental resilience and self-regulation,” she said. 

“Studying psychological strategies for stress, motivation, and focus has helped me prepare mentally for races, recover from setbacks, and stay consistent with my training.”

Competing priorities

Ella chose CQUniversity for its flexible learning, and she is supported to adjust study load and deadlines around her competition schedule. 

“Being able to study online makes it really convenient and helps me balance my training and competition schedule while keeping up with my studies,” she explained.

Recently, CQUniversity became a member of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Elite Sport Education Network, recognising its supportive approach to students who balance elite competition with study.

Ella has opened the laptop for lectures everywhere from poolside to high altitude training camps in the US, and earlier this year was relieved when CQU shifted her exam to avoid a clash with World Championships trials. 

“That really lowered the stress of managing both my swimming and my studies at the same time,” she said.

Most recently, Ella’s determination has seen her expand to a double-degree, adding a CQU Bachelor of Laws to her commitments.

Skills to support

Ella’s interest in psychology began at school, and through her personal experience. 

“Growing up, my family went through divorce and attended mediation, which I always found fascinating,” she said. 

“I wanted to study psychology … and ultimately give back to kids in similar situations to mine.

“That’s why I’m doing the double-degree, I’d love to be a family law mediator one day.

“I hope to complete my degree with strong results and gain skills to help support others … to make a positive difference in people’s lives, helping families and children navigate complex situations.”

Pool position

With less than seven years until the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, Ella is emerging in new generation of swim stars at an exciting time for Australian sport.

In December, she’ll join green and gold world champions and Olympic gold medallists Kaylee McKeown, Cam McEvoy and Mollie O’Callaghan, as Australia takes on The World for a world-first Swimming Australia event in Brisbane. 

While Ella hopes to continue performing her best on the international stage, she’s also proud to be preparing for life and a meaningful career after sport.

CQUniversity is a leading university in SPORT (Sport and exercise, Physical activity, Occupational and Rehabilitation Therapies), and its SPORT Strategy 2025-2028 commits to collaboration with grassroots, government and industry partners for high performance and community engagement outcomes.

Learn more at the CQUniversity SPORT website.