Jeremy Tidy is a former Australian swimming champion, a successful banker, a father, and, as of 2022- a Swinburne University of Technology student.
Tidy is currently studying a Diploma in Sport (SIS50319) – Online Delivery with Richmond Institute, a course delivered by Swinburne in collaboration with the Richmond Football Club.
Born with a spinal cord impairment and as a keen swimmer, Tidy developed into an exceptional athlete, representing Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
As a part-time athlete during his entire career, Tidy balanced a corporate job with his training and competition, helping him to see firsthand how strong governance and creating the right environment can impact an athlete.
And while post-retirement, Tidy focused his attention on his already established white-collar professional life, he is now prepared to go back to the future by commencing a new look career in sport.
Tidy wants to help athletes of all kinds to thrive, both before, during, and post their careers, having seen the benefits and implications of support system that were and were not in place during his sporting journey.
“At the end of last year, my wife and I sat down and thought, what is the plan? I needed to make some lifestyle changes and was going to take some time off work,” he said.
“I have a passion for athlete wellbeing, particularly after what I have gone through in recent years.
“I want to be able to help athletes that are struggling to transition (into sports retirement). Because lots of mates of mine really struggled.
“If Richmond Institute can help give me a solid basis to expand the skills I have made throughout my corporate career and all of my other experience, I would love the opportunity to give back to sport.
“It is a bit of a change for me, but something I am excited about doing.”
Already Tidy has made his way onto Swimming Victoria’s competition’s committee, instantly putting to practice some of his studies within the Diploma of Sport.
“We are looking at improving a range of things, like better servicing deaf athletes who need a flashing light to start a race and making pools around the state more accessible for them,” Tidy said.
“Initially, I think swimming is my way ‘in,’ but as I have said to Grant (Richmond Institute’s Education Coordinator, Grant Weir)- It is not necessarily where I will end up.
“It is all about what doors and pathways might open up, and I feel they are certainly available to me now that I am learning from some fantastic people.”
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So how exactly did Australia’s flag bearer from the opening ceremony of the 2011 Pan Pacific Championships end up studying with Richmond Institute?
“I think culture is a massive thing, which is definitely what jumped out to me about Richmond,” he explained.
“I did a lot of research and took some time considering my options and this course stood out.
“With where I am at, it was really important to me to be able to do a course at my own pace- so I have really enjoyed the flexibility of the online course and have been recommending it too nearly everyone.
“You definitely ask yourself before signing up for an online course, how will this work? Will it be for me? But it has been an engaging and enjoyable experience thus far.”
Tidy hopes to continue working hard at his study and in his role at Swimming Victoria and is beginning to convert his resume towards a sporting lens to kick start his non-competing career in the industry.
“In the interim, I feel I have the experience and knowledge to be able to add something in the disability sports space, but with the backing of these studies, I am not putting a cap on that.”
Jeremy is a Diploma of Sport (SIS50319) – Online Delivery student, for details how to enroll, click here.
