Being able to combine her love of swimming with her dream to become a doctor underpinned world-leading elite athlete Brianna Throssell’s decision to study at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
The 19-year-old Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Pre-medicine Certificate student, and member of the Australian swimming team, received an Early Offer to study at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus last year through her commitment to sport and school life at Perth College.
Notre Dame’s Elite Athlete Friendly Program has assisted Brianna in balancing her Physiotherapy studies and her personal ambition to win an Olympic gold medal.
The Program has allowed Brianna to attend her competition and associated training sessions, as well as launching off the blocks with her university work.
Brianna’s dedication in the water across her junior years saw her post the world’s leading time in the 200m butterfly at the 2015 South Australia State Long Course Open Championships in late-February.
In doing so, she also shaved three seconds off her previous personal best time.
Additionally, Brianna finished first in the 100m butterfly and the 200m freestyle, and second in the 50m freestyle.
“When you find something you love and enjoy doing, you just go with it. I’ve been swimming basically all my life. I love the atmosphere of an aquatic centre and when you start to get results, this positive energy just encourages you even more,” Brianna said.
“Education is a priority of mine. Notre Dame’s Elite Athlete Friendly Program allows me to coordinate my units of study around my swimming training sessions and meets which gives me the confidence in balancing my sporting and academic lives.
“I chose to study at Notre Dame for its personalised approach to education, smaller class sizes and the wonderful campus life here in Fremantle. The support I have received from staff has been overwhelming.”
Deputy Director, Admissions and Student Services, David McLean, congratulated Brianna on her outstanding achievements to date and says the University will continue to support elite athletes in their quest for academic and sporting success.
“Brianna’s story is a great example of how Notre Dame’s Elite Athlete Friendly program is assisting students to achieve well academically and compete in the sport of choice at a world class level,” Mr McLean said.