Black Hill’s got Rachel Tallent in Rio Games

A few Black Hill pupils were still hopeful of staying up to watch a little of Tallent racing live in Rio – her women’s 20-kilometre race walk starts 3.30am on Saturday, Ballarat time.

There has been a buzz about the school where, amid a busy schedule, grade three and four classes have made a colourful Olympic-themed display. 

Tallent’s younger cousin Scott Peart even managed to find a Rachel-themed chair.

Black Hill teacher Pam Hillas said it was exciting to watch her former pupil’s journey all the way to the biggest international stage.

“Rachel was a good student, so well-behaved,” Ms Hillas said.

“It’ll be terrific to watch her.”

Tallent, aged 23, set a personal best time of one hour, 31 minutes and 33 seconds at the Oceania and Australian race walking championships in Adelaide early this year to book her spot in Rio.

She stepped on to the global stage in her IAAF world championships in China and the world university games in Korea last year.

Tallent is based in Canberra to finish her university studies, having moved to the nation’s capital to join the Australian Institute of Sport after graduating from Ballarat High School.

The past three years, Tallent has been coached by her older brother Jared, the newly promoted Olympic 50km walk champion.

Tallent was quite happy being known as Jared Tallent’s little sister.

“I really like being my brother’s little sister,” Tallent said upon her selection.

“He inspired me to be a race walker, and to one day make the Olympics like him. 

“To be able to go to Rio with him as my coach, brother and my friend is the best feeling in the world.”

Jared Tallent, aged 31, will defend his Olympic 50km title on Friday night, Ballarat time.

It will allow him barely enough time to recover to be back by the course coaching Rachel in a big, proud day for the Tallent family.