Representing Australia on the International Stage
October 30, 2025
Senior student, Mackenzi Shefe, represents Fairholme - and Australia - on an American tour with Sports Travel Australia.
During the Term 3 school holidays, Year 12 student, Mackenzi Schefe, was invited on an American tour with Sports Travel Australia to compete in multiple cross country races against athletes from American high schools and colleges.
The opportunity came unexpectedly, delivered in an envelope from her Holme Group teacher, Mrs Anderson, recognising Mackenzi’s previous
achievements and inviting her to represent Australia on the international stage.
Mackenzi travelled with the Sports Travel Australia team and competed in three major races, each offering a unique challenge and atmosphere. Her first race was the Music Mountain Invitational Cross Country, where she placed 2nd in a large and competitive field. The second race was the Vegas Elite Twilight Invitational, held at late in the evening, 10.20pm, under a canopy of fairy lights, where she placed 4th. The final race was the
Thunderbird Invitational Varsity, where she secured 3rd place.
Thanks to her strong track record, Mackenzi was placed in the elite race category, giving her the chance to test herself against some of the best young athletes from both America and Australia.
Reflecting on the experience, Mackenzi shared that one of the biggest lessons she learned was the importance of adaptability. Competing in unfamiliar environments, including desert terrain and in night conditions, pushed her out of her comfort zone and taught her to stay focused no matter what challenges arose.
The tour has only strengthened Mackenzi’s passion for cross country. With her sights set on future representative teams, she’s more motivated than ever to continue competing and improving.
Her journey is a powerful example of where dedication and opportunity can lead for those willing to take it on.
More News…
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Mia Geise, on her outstanding performance at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships. Representing Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club, Mia set new personal bests over the holidays in four of her five events and walked away with an impressive haul of medals and records. Her championship results included: > 4 silver medals in the 12-14 Years Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke > Australian Records in the Open and 13 Years and Under Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke (SB16 Category) > Queensland Multi-Class Records in the Open 100m Breaststroke, Open 50m Backstroke, and 13 Years events across 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly One of the standout moments of the championships was Mia’s qualification for three open finals, where she competed against some of the country’s most experienced swimmers, including two Paralympians and athletes who have represented Australia on the international stage. In elite company, Mia more than held her own, finishing 4th in the 50m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, and 6th in the 50m Backstroke. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the context behind them. Mia only returned to competitive swimming in December 2024, following an almost three-year break after undergoing her second liver transplant. Her results at this championship are not only a testament to her talent, but to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to the sport she loves. Adding to the celebrations, Mia’s coach Michael (Mick) Winton was recognised for his outstanding work at the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Awards, held during the championships. Mick was awarded the 2025 Multi-Class Emerging Championship Coach Award, a well-deserved honour that acknowledges his dedication and leadership in supporting Mia’s development over the past year.
Fairholme Year 10 students Georgie Cussons, Amelia Taylor, Anna Le Lievre and Claire Longmire are making the most of their exciting exchange at Oakham School in the United Kingdom, where they will spend six weeks fully immersed in British school life. From classroom learning and social events to sporting fixtures, the girls have wasted no time settling in and making the most of every opportunity. Also in the UK, Gemma Sullivan has begun an 11-week exchange at Bryanston School, where she is already keeping busy through her involvement in netball and the school’s swim, bike, run team. Cindy Deng is likewise enjoying her time abroad, experiencing the traditions and daily life of Rugby School during her own 11-week exchange. Back at Fairholme, we are delighted to be welcoming international students into our community. Joining us for Term 1 are Sienna Hoffman from Bryanston School and Charlotte Campbell from Rugby School, along with Mei Kawasaki and Rio Usami from Keisen High School in Japan. Each brings a unique perspective to campus life, enriching our classrooms and strengthening the global connections that sit at the heart of the Fairholme exchange program.
We are delighted to welcome Mr Rob Anderson as our new Head of Sport, bringing with him a wealth of experience across teaching, coaching, and sport administration throughout Queensland.
