Malikah is a senior student enrolled under our Sports Performance category. Her showjumping journey began when she was five years old at Pony Club in Western Australia, where she quickly gravitated toward the competitive side of equestrian sport. By the time she was in primary school, she was already competing in local gymkhanas and horse trials, and what started as weekend fun soon became a serious pursuit driven by her love of improvement and competition. Balancing rigorous training and competition with schoolwork, Malikah exemplifies dedication and ambition. In her own words, Malikah reflects on the effort, planning, and determination that make excelling in both arenas possible:
“One of the biggest things that helps me balance training, travel, and schoolwork is a system my sports psychologist taught me. I use a ‘10-point’ structure, assigning points to everything that matters most—horses 5, school 4, physio 1. By completing the lower-priority tasks first, I can focus fully on my competitions without feeling guilty. This system keeps me on track, motivates daily discipline, and ensures my week runs smoothly. You can use it for anything in life, not just sports—it’s been a complete game-changer for my time management and motivation.”
“In Year 10, I wasn’t great at keeping in contact with my teachers, and falling behind made things stressful. This year I’ve realised how much of a difference regular communication makes. When teachers know what’s going on, they can help plan, shift things if needed, and guide you. It makes school feel lighter and lets me focus on both riding and studying. I’m genuinely grateful for how understanding my teachers have been—they’ve helped me find balance instead of sacrificing one for the other.”
“Showjumping has taught me so much, especially resilience. Things rarely go as planned, and setbacks are part of the process—you learn and try again. That mindset carries into school, particularly in learning to take constructive criticism. Feedback isn’t personal; it’s a tool to improve, whether in training or in essays and assignments. Showjumping has also taught me to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and approach challenges with focus rather than panic. The lessons, both good and tough, are ones I will carry long beyond school, shaping me into someone who can push through setbacks, stay level-headed, and keep improving.”
“It’s hard to pick one thing I’m most proud of this year but achieving my MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) for Youth Olympic selection, stands out. The certificate itself is meaningful, but the journey mattered more. After a serious injury in July/August, I missed competing internationally in Brazil and worried I wouldn’t qualify. I followed rehab, rebuilt myself physically and mentally, and ultimately achieved my MER. It was a moment of resilience, determination, and pushing beyond what I thought possible—a feeling I’ll carry forever. Now, I’m aiming for Youth Olympic selection and working toward strong grades for a potential sports scholarship in Law overseas. Whatever happens, I know that approaching these goals with the same grit and resilience will make me proud.”
Malikah’s dad, Tony, shares the view from home, reflecting on Malikah’s resilience, careful planning, and the balance it takes to thrive both academically and in elite sport.”
“From a parent’s perspective, we’ve watched Malikah grow enormously, not just as a rider but as a young adult balancing education and elite sport. Her time management has improved greatly—she knows how to organise herself, prioritise, and keep school moving forward even with training and competition demands. I’ve also noticed a shift in her confidence and self-worth. Competing, travelling, and working with new coaches has pushed her outside her comfort zone in the best way. She now communicates with people of all ages and backgrounds with maturity and respect. High-performance sport brings challenges and criticism, and she’s developed a ‘suit of armour,’ learning from feedback without letting it derail her. This resilience hasn’t just strengthened her as an athlete—it has shaped her as a person. Watching her manage school, sport, and life with this maturity has been incredibly rewarding, and she’s building the tools to achieve her big dreams.”
“VSV has been crucial in making this lifestyle possible. Its flexible learning model allows Malikah to travel to competitions across Victoria and interstate without falling behind or needing to justify absences. VSV blends with her sport in a way that supports both. With reliable internet like Starlink, Malikah can stay in touch with teachers and complete work from anywhere, keeping her education on track even during busy competition periods.
The school has allowed her to pursue academic and sporting goals simultaneously, giving our family the freedom to support her dreams without compromise.”
“VSV has been crucial in making this lifestyle possible. Its flexible learning model allows Malikah to travel to competitions across Victoria and interstate without falling behind or needing to justify absences. VSV blends with her sport in a way that supports both. With reliable internet like Starlink, Malikah can stay in touch with teachers and complete work from anywhere, keeping her education on track even during busy competition periods. The school has allowed her to pursue academic and sporting goals simultaneously, giving our family the freedom to support her dreams without compromise.”
“For families considering flexible schooling for high-level sport or other commitments, I’d say that VSV offers the best of both worlds. The schedule flexibility is fantastic, but it’s more than just online learning—the teachers provide support and educational opportunities beyond typical homeschooling. Malikah has access to the same learning experiences as a mainstream school, allowing her to pursue sporting dreams without compromising her education, giving our family confidence and peace of mind.”
Malikah’s talent and impressive determination to ask the best of herself illustrates one way our diverse learning environment supports ambition and personal growth, and that it is not simply a matter of luck. We congratulate Milkah on all her success in both her studies and the sport she loves, and the recent accolade of becoming a Young Ambassador for Jumping after a rigorous selection process.
