Tarren’s run for her life

Dual Olympian Tarren Otte says the lifesaving medical care she received as a child has motivated her to take part in the Herald Sun Transurban Run for the Kids. This is how she is preparing.

Former olympics synchronised swimmer Tarren Otte is holding a boot camp fundraiser on the beach ahead of the 'virtual' Run for the Kids. Picture: David Crosling

Dual Olympian Tarren Otte says the lifesaving medical care she received as a child has motivated her to take part in the Herald Sun Transurban Run for the Kids.

The former synchronised swimmer spent three months at the Royal Children’s Hospital when she was five years old after suffering third-degree burns from a boiling water accident.

The burns affected 25 per cent of her body and she had to be taught to walk again.

Otte, who went on to represent Australia at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, said the care she received in the hospital was “exceptional”.

“I don’t think you can explain how important the role is that the doctors and nurses at the hospital play,” she said.

“Without them I probably wouldn’t be here.”

The 36-year-old runs her own personal training business and is holding a fundraising bootcamp at 9am on Good Friday at Sandridge Beach in Port Melbourne.

The session will last for 90 minutes in celebration of the Good Friday Appeal’s 90th anniversary.

It is part of the virtual Run for the Kids event, where entrants can raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital by completing 90 minutes of movement any time between March 28 and April 2.

Otte said she had enjoyed running since stepping out of the pool, and was thrilled to link it to a cause close to her heart.

“Once I retired I was able to do more running – we never got to run much at all during our training,” she said.

“I just want to give back to the hospital that gave so much to me, and gives so much to Victoria.

“It’s such an amazing institution.”

The “on-the-road” Run for the Kids will take place on August 29.

runforthekids.com.au