A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic will be track-side with competitors in the Indonesian Olympic Team at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China, having coached athletes in several disciplines since late 2007 to develop the team’s strength and conditioning. Dr Stephen Bird, a lecturer in the School of Human Movement Studies, said “I am very happy with our input into the athletes for these games and really look froward to getting over there. Strength and conditioning preparation of the Indonesian Olympic squads has gone well, with all athletes making significant improvements in their conditioning levels.” Dr Bird is involved with archery, weightlifting, badminton and track and field, and will continue to assist the athletes in their quest for peak performance. He does not think the air pollution in Beijing will impact on the Indonesian competitors. “Although most European teams have expressed concerns, I don’t believe this will be a major issue for the Indonesian team as they experience similar conditions on a daily basis in Jakarta. I also believe that China will do everything possible to ensure that conditions are a good as possible.”