Elizabeth Gosper OAM (1976): Championing inclusion
For 11 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Gosper OAM (1976) has empowered athletes with learning difficulties as the owner of Inclusive Sports Training.
Liz, whose expertise includes physical and special education, coaches athletes of different abilities from grassroots to the Paralympics.
Her lifelong dedication to advocacy and athletic excellence traces its roots directly back to her school days at PLC. Liz's career was shaped when a PLC PE teacher asked her to teach a younger student with polio to swim. She embraced the challenge, earning School Colours by Year 10 and gaining the confidence to begin coaching at a local pool by age 14.
'PLC empowered me to feel confident... and secured my career direction. Over 52 years later, I still love what I do.'
Her commitment to inclusive communication also began early; she used her knowledge of Signed English to connect with and eventually coach a group of hearing-impaired swimmers.
After completing degrees in Physical and Special Education, Liz established a highly successful triathlon program for students at a special school. When it became clear these students needed a way to continue training after graduation, she founded IST. Today, IST prepares athletes for mainstream triathlons. By providing serious, accessible athletic training alongside peers, Liz directly combats the obesity and mental health challenges that disproportionately affect individuals with intellectual impairments.
Liz received an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for her service to people with disability through sport.
A triathlete herself for 35 years, Liz loves the challenge of nurturing athletes who previously faced negative predictions about their futures. She finds equal joy across the entire spectrum of her work, whether it is teaching a beginner with an intellectual impairment how to swim, to watching her elite athletes compete in the Paralympics on the world stage.
Any advice for today’s PLC students?
'People often say follow your passion and dreams, which I believe is true as long as it is done sensibly. Many students face pressure to meet family expectations, but I was fortunate to have a supportive family who encouraged my goals. PLC taught us to always do our best and work hard at whatever we choose to pursue.'
Presbyterian Ladies’ College acknowledges the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians, by God’s gracious providence, of the land on which our school stands.