• Eight members of Charles Sturt’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program head to Tokyo Olympics
• Past and current students are going to the Olympics for track cycling, road cycling, kayaking, athletics, rugby coaching, and with the Hockeyroos
• The Elite Athlete and Performer Program allows students to balance their professional career with their studies

Eight members of Charles Sturt University’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program will represent the nation in Tokyo at the upcoming Olympic Games.

The Elite Athlete and Performer Program allows students training and competing at elite levels to concentrate on their chosen discipline while still focusing on their studies.

Eight current and former Charles Sturt students have been confirmed for the Australian team in a range of sports, including track cycling, road cycling, kayaking, athletics, judo, as a Rugby 7s strength and conditioning coach and with the Hockeyroos hockey team.

Charles Sturt students and alumni who are competing include:

• Kaarle McCulloch, Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) student, competing in sprint track cycling
• Amanda Spratt, University Certificate in Business graduate, competing in road cycling in the women’s road cycling team
• Joanne Brigden-Jones, Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) graduate, competing in kayaking in women’s K-4 500m
• Ellie Pashley (nee O’Kane), Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduate, competing in athletics for the women’s marathon
• Will Stuart, Bachelor of Exercise Science graduate, going to Tokyo as the strength and conditioning coach for the Men’s Rugby 7s team
• Greta Hayes, Bachelor of Nursing student, competing with the Hockeyroos
• Clare Warwick, Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) graduate, competing on the women's softball team
• Nathan Katz, Bachelor of Sports Media student, competing in men's judo 66kg

Charles Sturt Executive Director of Student Success Ms Jacqueline Clements said the University embodies the same values as the Olympic Games of excellence, friendship and respect.

“We certainly see these values in our Olympian student athletes and alumni, and aim to nurture these same values in all our students at Charles Sturt University,” she said.

“The Olympic Games is the ultimate level of competition an athlete can compete in.

“We are incredibly proud of our student athletes, both current and alumni, who will be representing our country at the Tokyo Olympics.”

Ms Clements said the athletes’ commitment, determination and resilience to reach this level is inspirational, providing role models for Charles Sturt students and their community.

Students can apply online to become a member of the Elite Athlete and Performer Program in one of four categories – Elite Athlete, Pre-elite Athlete, Elites Sports Personnel, and Elite Performer.

The COVID19-deferred 2020 Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo from Friday 23 July to Sunday 8 August 2021.