There was an even greater reason to tune into the 2016 Olympic Games with Notre Dame student Brianna Throssell competing against the world’s best to achieve one of the greatest feats in international sport.
Brianna, a Physiotherapy student, flew the Australian flag at her first Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in the hope of achieving a gold medal. She represented her University and country with pride, making her first Olympic final in the 200m Butterfly.
In February 2015, Brianna had posted the world’s leading time in this event at the South Australia State Long Course Open Championships. Drawing inspiration from former Australian swimmer and three-time Olympic gold medallist, Stephanie Rice OAM, Brianna said she wanted to make Australia proud in the pool.
“I was keen to be part of the Australian swimming team and its combined effort to improve from the performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London,” Brianna said.
“When you find something you love and enjoy doing, it makes you see through any challenges that might arise. I’ve been swimming my whole life. I love the atmosphere of an aquatic centre and when you start to get results, this positive energy just encourages you even more.”
Kiel no stranger to representing Australia
Graduate Diploma of Education student, Kiel Brown, narrowly missed a spot on the Hockeyroos team for the Rio Games. However, he is no stranger to representing his country on the big stage.
Having been part of Australia’s national hockey program for more than 10 years, Kiel has been part of the Kookaburras squad at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2010 Men’s Hockey World Cup in New Delhi and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Despite the long-time international exposure, Kiel says he still gets a buzz from wearing the green and gold on the hockey field.
“What I looked forward to was being immersed with other Australian athletes in the Olympic village. It’s an amazing experience to be in there and to be part of what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of athletes; the atmosphere is unique and really brought my Olympic experience to life,” Kiel said.
“When you combine a love of what you do with that real competitive nature that a lot of elite sportspeople have, it’s exciting to be part of the Kookaburras and play in that moment.”
Max Wason, Sports Officer on Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus, congratulated Brianna, Kiel and other students who are part of the Elite Athlete Program for their sporting pursuits in 2016.
“In addition to being marvellous representatives in their respective sporting pursuits, Brianna and Kiel are both outstanding ambassadors of the University and its Objects.
Notre Dame prides itself on seeing students achieve their goals and aspirations, be that in the classroom, through volunteerism, or on the sporting field,” Mr Wason said.