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Monash students selected for world games

24 June 2009

Joel Pocklington, Andrew Harms, Richard Larkins, Dale Stevenson, Stephanie Grant, Sarah Graham, Amy Cockerton.
Back: Joel Pocklington, Andrew Harms, Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins, Dale Stevenson, Stephanie Grant. Front: Sarah Graham, Amy Cockerton. Absent: Alison Bai, Laura Cornford.

Nine Monash students will compete at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia from 1 to 12 July -- the largest number of Monash students ever selected for the international event.

For the first time ever, Monash students are also representing two different countries - with Orazio Crmona, a student from Monash South Africa competing in athletics.

The athletes selected are:

Athletics: Physiotherapy student Joel Pocklington, Business student Laura Cornford, and Education/Sport and Outdoor Recreation and student Dale Stevenson;
Basketball: Arts/Education student Andrew Harms and Science student Sarah Graham;
Judo: Arts/Law student Stephanie Grant;
Tennis: Commerce student Alison Bai;
Swimming: Science student Amy Cockerton

Dale Stevenson, who studies at the Peninsula campus, said he was delighted to be chosen for the Australian athletics team in his chosen discipline of discus.

"To me, making any Australian team is the pinnacle of sporting achievement; the opportunity to represent my country, as well as my University, greatly surpasses any medals, awards or public recognition," Mr Stevenson said.

"The World University Games are not only a fantastic stepping stone to World Championships and Olympic Games, but they provide an invaluable experience and world-class competition in their own right."

Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins addressed the Monash athletes at a recent farewell get-together, admiring their ability to "balance competing in sport at the highest level, whilst studying a degree at a major university."

Professor Larkins also thanked the faculties and university support staff for their involvement with the Elite Athlete Support Program and for assisting students in balancing their sport and their studies.