Commonwealth Medallists Aided By University Sport

Press Release (For immediate release) October 11, 2010

Commonwealth Medallists Aided By University Sport

Wellington, New Zealand - October 11, 2010 - The action continues in Delhi, but the Games are over for many athletes. The elite, medals in hand, exit their competition venues to watch other events and cheer on their fellow Kiwis.

Medallists and new Commonwealth Games record holders have achieved household name status in New Zealand and around the world for their performances. Many of these athletes used the sports pathways provided by University Sport New Zealand to reach the games, or gained notoriety as recipients of New Zealand University Blues awards.

In the swimming competition, Glenn Snyders broke out onto the scene with a silver in the 50 m breaststroke. The 2005 and 2007 NZU Blues recipient was a finalist in all three breaststroke events. His team mate Daniel Bell, who competed in the 2007 World University Games, won a silver medal in the 100 m backstroke and narrowly missed the bronze medal in the 50 m backstroke. Melissa Ingram finished seventh in the 200 m backstroke, but set a new Commonwealth Games record in the event during a qualifying swim.

Cylist Eddie Dawkins pedalled his way to a bronze medal in the 1000 m time trial. Dawkins, who demonstrated his prowess at the 2010 New Zealand University Games, also led off the silver-medal winning men's team sprint. Fellow cyclist and 2009 Blues winner Simon Van Velthooven took third in the men's keirin final.

Fulfilling hopes of Kiwis across the country, Brent Newdick took second in the arduous decathlon. Newdick received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2009 NZU Blues. Medallist hopeful Rebecca Wardell was looking strong early on in the heptathlon competition. She finished first in the heptathlon shot put, but was later forced to withdraw herself from the competition due to a foot injury. The 2005 World University Games competitor said it would be her last chance for a Commonwealth Games medal.

Yet the games continue for other athletes whose careers have been aided by the pathways provided by University Sport News Zealand. Eight NZU Blues award winners forge ahead to the semi finals in the hockey competitions, and five Silver Ferns NZU Blues recipients look to win a gold for New Zealand on the final day of competition.

ENDS

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