The 23-year-old, from Christchurch, attended Five Forks School alongside her sister for a short period following the 2011 earthquakes.
Although she was not there even a full year, her aunt and uncle, Jane and Blair Smith, still live in the rural district so Brett’s connection to the area remains strong.
That is why when she took to the water at the Paris Olympics last month as part of the victorious New Zealand Women’s K4 crew, the small rural community was right behind her.
The school even held a delayed watching party for the 500m final.
Earlier this week, Brett returned to the school for a visit.
With her gold medal in hand, she spoke to the pupils, including her cousin George who is in year 8, and answered their questions.
Brett also presented the pupils with medals of their own from a school Olympics day.
It was the second time in the past 12 months she has visited the school as she also showed off a World Championships gold medal last year.
"It’s pretty cool to be back and see the kids again. It’s a lot different from when I was here, going to school," Brett said.
It was really heartwarming for her to hear and see the community still supporting her.
"Slowly hearing more little tidbits of information about the support is pretty cool."
Brett said school visits were "one of the cooler" aspects of her career.
"I haven’t done a lot of it pre Olympics, but I love seeing kids."
Five Forks principal Belinda Brosnan said the entire school was stoked to have her visit.
"It’s just so cool that she’s been part of Five Forks history and continues to be part of our future.
"It’s fantastic that she’s still got those Five Forks connections so still pops in and visits us and inspires the next generation."
