The University of Waikato will have an impressive presence at April’s Commonwealth Games, with 14 current and former students heading to the Gold Coast to represent New Zealand.
Track cyclist Bryony Botha is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Psychology and Marketing. “Juggling study and cycling can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but I like pushing myself and I’m determined to put the effort in,” she says. “I make sure I communicate well with both my coach and paper conveners, and use my time wisely.”
Bryony credits the assistance of the University’s Student-Athlete Support Hub (SASH) for making it easier for her to tackle assignments and exams while competing. “While racing at the Elite Road Nationals in Napier earlier this year, I couldn’t submit an assignment remotely due to technical difficulties, but thanks to SASH and my lecturer, I was given an extension,” she says.
SASH Academic Leader Dr Christina Ryan is committed to supporting students in achieving both their sporting and academic goals. “We are very proud to have so many students and alumni competing at the Gold Coast,” she says. “SASH staff work closely with faculties across the University to ensure the University of Waikato is providing flexible study options, which allow athletes to tailor their academic programmes around the needs of their sport.” SASH currently supports 140 student athletes, with the University also offering other tailored services, including nutrition advice, strength and conditioning programmes, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Bryony is looking forwarding to putting on the fern and representing New Zealand at the Games. “It still feels so surreal,” she says. “I remember watching the Commonwealth Games on TV when I was little, and thinking how cool it would be to represent my country at such a big sporting event – if you told me back then I would one day get the chance to do it, I never would’ve believed you.”
The strong University of Waikato contingent at the Commonwealth Games also includes Sir Edmund Hillary scholars: Bachelor of Management Studies student Sam Sinclair (netball), Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance student Kelly Jury (netball), Bachelor of Social Sciences student Ellesse Andrews (cycling) and Bachelor of Laws student and Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholar Aidan Sarikaya (hockey).
Bachelor of Science graduate, police officer and wrestler Toby Fitzpatrick will be grappling for gold at the Games. He has previously represented New Zealand at competitions in South Africa, Paris, Tahiti and Azerbaijan and is a member of the Hamilton Hawks wrestling team. Toby is extremely proud to have made the national wrestling team. “It’s the culmination of a lifetime of blood, sweat and tears,” he says. “I’m absolutely over the moon to be able to wear the silver fern alongside all the other athletes, as I know all the hard work and sacrifice that has led up to this moment.” Toby has been training hard in preparation for the Games. “Before I step onto the mat, I pull on my wrestling singlet, look down at the fern on my chest and feel the tingle of adrenaline, which brings everything into focus. I know it’s go-time."
University of Waikato Hillary Scholarship alumni Stacey Waaka (rugby sevens), Myles Browne-Cole (shooting), Helena Gasson (swimming), Susannah Leydon-Davis (badminton), Camille Buscomb (athletics), Zac Millar (squash), Shaunna Polley (beach volleyball) and Brooke Neal (hockey) will also be flying the national flag in the New Zealand team.
Good luck to all Waikato University students and alumni competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. The Games begin on 4 April and run until 15 April.