AIS Alumni: From Australian International School to the Tokyo Olympics and Beyond

At the Australian International School (AIS), we pride ourselves on celebrating the journeys of our alumni who continue to inspire through their incredible achievements. Today, we reconnect with Cat McArthur, an AIS alumna whose passion for sport propelled her to the grand stage of the Tokyo Olympics.

From Singapore Beginnings to Global Heights

Born in Singapore, Cat McArthur spent her early years soaking in the vibrant energy of the city and attended AIS from 1997 to 2004. Cat’s childhood was filled with sporting adventures, nurtured by her active family lifestyle and the endless summer warmth of Singapore. At AIS, she dove headfirst into swimming, dreaming of one day competing at the Olympics.

After leaving AIS in Year 6, Cat moved to Australia for boarding school, where she discovered kayaking—a sport that would define her athletic career. Transitioning from warm Singaporean pools to Australia’s colder waters was no easy feat, but Cat’s determination never wavered.

Cat’s journey took her to South Australia, where she studied physiotherapy at the University of South Australia while training with the state kayaking team. Eventually, she joined the National Program for Kayaking on the Gold Coast, achieving her dream of representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.

Now retired from elite competition, Cat thrives as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, staying active alongside her fiancé and their dog on the sunny Gold Coast.

Sporting Memories from AIS

When asked about her favourite AIS memories, Cat fondly recalls the vibrant sporting culture.

“The sporting carnivals were the highlight of my year,” she shares. “I was a proud Murray House student and loved competing in athletics, swimming, and cross-country events. Setting a goal to become Junior Sportswoman of the Year in my final year of primary school was incredibly rewarding, especially with my mum helping me train for the running events—despite my love for the water over land!”

Overcoming Challenges on the Path to the Olympics

For Cat, success didn’t come without its share of challenges. Moving away from her family to pursue her Olympic dreams was one of the toughest decisions she had to make.

“The support my family provided, even as a young athlete at AIS, was invaluable,” she says. “Making the move away from home and learning to live independently was daunting. Building a new support network and finding ways to stay connected to my family was key to overcoming it.”

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic presented another significant hurdle. “Being in lockdown, away from family, was incredibly tough,” Cat recalls. “But staying focused on my goals and visualising the outcomes kept me going.”

Advice for Aspiring AIS Athletes

Cat offers this heartfelt advice to current AIS students dreaming of athletic success:

“Enjoy the sport you’re doing, and it will never feel like work. Training is meant to be challenging, but there’s something so rewarding about ending your day knowing you’ve invested in your dreams. Surround yourself with a solid support network that will be there to lift you up, even when you feel like giving up.”

Continuing to Inspire

Cat’s journey from AIS student to Olympian is a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and passion. Her story is a reminder to the AIS community that dreams, no matter how ambitious, can be achieved with dedication and the right support.

Thank you, Cat, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. We’re proud to count you as part of our AIS family!