Molly Walker (R) celebrates her 1500m bronze medal in the pool with gold medal winner and team mate Lani Pallister.
The cheers, the nerves and the overwhelming pride are moments Yarrawonga grandmother Ros Ryan will never forget.
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As her granddaughter Molly Walker took to the pool wearing the green and gold at her first Commonwealth Games, Ros watched every stroke with her heart in her mouth.
The 21-year-old swimmer delivered an incredible performance, winning bronze medals in both the 1500m and 800m freestyle events, making her mark on the international stage.
“It was absolutely nerve-racking,” Ros said.
“I just wanted her to do well, and when she won that first bronze medal I was so excited for her because I knew how much hard work she’d put in.”
Ros is well-known in Yarrawonga through her work at Yarrawonga Denis Medical, where she has been part of the team for 10 years.
The clinic proudly supports Molly’s swimming journey through sponsorship, making her success something the local community can celebrate.
Born in Wagga Wagga and raised in Corryong, Molly began swimming as a seven-year-old.
She was competing at state level at age nine, showing the talent and determination that would eventually see her represent Australia.
After moving to Moana in South Australia, where she lives with her parents, Sallyanne and Jason Walker, and brothers Abey and Jack, Molly’s passion for swimming continued to grow.
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Molly Walker with her grandmother, Yarrawonga’s Ros Ryan.
“It was when they moved to Adelaide that we realised just how much talent she had,” Ros said.
“She’s always been determined; once she sets her mind to something, she gives it everything.”
“It’s incredible what swimmers have to do; people don’t always see the hours behind the scenes; swimming is one of the toughest sports because the training never stops.”
Molly entered the Commonwealth Games wanting to learn from the experience and absorb everything she could from competing at the highest level.
Her grandmother says she just wanted to be a sponge and soak everything up, to learn from the best and work towards the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Instead, she exceeded all expectations, standing on the podium twice.
“When she touched the wall for that first bronze medal, I was ecstatic,” Ros said.
“That’s the moment I’ll treasure forever.”
For Ros, however, the medals are only part of what makes her granddaughter special.
“She’s just such a lovable, caring person; her determination and her personality are what make me most proud,” she said.
Molly’s achievements have been embraced by the Yarrawonga community, something Ros said has been incredibly special.
From a young swimmer in country Victoria to a dual Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Molly Walker’s journey has given one very proud grandmother memories she will cherish forever.
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