Name Ashley Brehaut
Current role: Physical education teacher / district sport coordinator / small business owner
Current organisation: St Leo the Great Primary School / Westgate District / Exclusive Eventz Photobooth
What sport did you hold a scholarship for at VIS: Badminton
Time as VIS athlete: 2000 - 2006
Learn more about Exclusive Eventz.
Tell us about your life after your time at the VIS?
I studied a Bachelor of Education at ACU in Melbourne and became a primary school teacher. For 6 and a half years I was a classroom teacher and then moved schools to become a physical education teacher. I have been in this role for nearly 7 years and have recently taken up the position of being the sport coordinator for 8 schools in the Westgate District.
During my spare time of which there is none, I have also built a small family business. I run Exclusive Eventz Photobooth Hire in Melbourne. We hire photobooths out for weddings or parties. We have become quite successful in the last few years.
What is your proudest sporting achievement?
My proudest sporting achievement is between representing Australia at the 2004 Olympics and making the Bronze Medal playoff at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. It changes each time I think about it.
What is your proudest moment outside of sport?
Having my two amazing boys and watching them grow up with my wife.
What is the most valuable lesson you learnt during your time at the VIS?
Sport has to be the best life lesson teacher! I went through such elation as a VIS athlete and the lowest of lows. From winning numerous National Championships to being told that I was no longer a part of the 2004 Olympic Team through a fault not of my own and then to be reinstated days later. From playing off in a Bronze Medal playoff game in my home state to legally fighting for my position in the National Team (and winning). I have been through it all and would not change anything. Sport has helped shape the person I am today and the never give up attitude. It doesn't matter what happens, giving up is not an option and finding a solution (no matter how hard) is.
Image: Ashley Brehaut ahead of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games
Credit: Getty Images
